THE first phase of a project to make St Mary’s Church in Lydney a centre for community, festival and pastoral events was officially opened on Sunday (October 1).
The works, which have provided a new servery, a more level floor, disabled and extra toilets, new lighting and sound systems and more flexible seating, were opened as part of the church’s Harvest celebrations.
A large bow was untied by pupils from Aylburton, Lydney Church of England and Severnbanks primary schools with the Archdeacon of Gloucester Rev Jackie Searle.
The children were part of a choir who provided music along with Wyedean School’s gospel choir, and, from the Dean Academy, singer Aimee Harris, musician Ella Lewis, and Erin Reeves and Emily McCoy who read a poem.
Rev Searle said: “It is wonderful to be with you to celebrate the harvest and give thanks to God and all this work that has taken place.
“Well done for your faithfulness, prayer and enthusiasm and for having that vision and imagination.
“It is inspiring what you have done here and may you be a blessing to Lydney and may you continue to be known as a place where all are truly welcome.”
Vicar of Lydney Rev Sarah Fenby thanked all those who had been involved in the project as fund-raisers, supporters, contractors and professionals.
She said: “It is not about buildings it is about everyone who comes here and our desire to serve our community.
A sincere thank you to all those who have supported, fund-raised, given freely and awarded grants to our project.
“We are building a community where everyone matters, especially the most vulnerable.
“It has enabled us to have disabled toilets and nappy changing, a servery that can serve wheelchair users and children at the right level, a smoother floor and more flexible seating, new lighting and a new sound system.”