Now that the summer holidays have come and gone, I thought you would like to be updated on the progress of the church development.

Unfortunately, as Geoff Oldham has explained in the letter which is enclosed with this magazine, planning permission has not yet been granted for the church development. Our architect Stephen Creighton is beginning to address the issues raised by the planners in conjunction with Geoff and the members of the Property Project group. Please pray that the obstacles will be removed soon.

A number of successful events have now taken place to begin our fundraising efforts. Thanks to all who organised, attended or sponsored the Morecambe Bay Walk, Flower Sale and Cookery Demonstration which have raised more than £2000 in total. The Fundraising Committee now have ideas for fundraising events coming out of their ears! We need YOU to offer to help organise just one event to get the development off the ground as quickly as possible. Joan Hardman or Barbara Hothersall will be delighted to hear from you.

Regular coffee mornings and cake stalls are also beginning in the near future. Look out for Information in the notices.

We thought that our neighbours may have concerns about the potential increase in the number of cars parking in the area. The Community Liaison group has had conversations with the Accountants (whose car park is used at weekends and in the evenings) and with Lytham Road Surgery. Both have indicated that they are happy for us to use their facilities as and when required. A letter has also been sent to Fulwood Tennis Club to find out if they will let us use their car park, particularly for days when larger congregations are expected such as parade or christening services.

Several local councillors came to church in June to look around the premises and discuss the architect’s plans. They were all very encouraging about the plans and the way the development had been handled so far.

Publicity

We have been conscious that news about the development has not been great during the summer holidays. The Publicity group will be meeting in the near future to ensure that all members of the church family know where the main stages of the development are up to.

If you have any comments or questions about the development, the leaders of the groups are:

Geoff Oldham, Liz Ellison, Alan Smith, Len Fletcher, Joan Hardman and Andrew Bennett.