Press Release
PRESS RELEASE - 11 FEBRUARY 2008 - "PARISHIONERS COME OFF THE BENCH"
The
parishioners of St Felix RC Church in Felixstowe, have backed the idea
of having the costs of refurbishing all of the church benches to be
covered through sponsorship.
Fr David Hennessy, parish priest, said "We are all looking forward to having the church redecorated this year, but it would be a pity to redecorate the church without, at the same time, renovating the benches which are almost 100 years old and looking rather shabby."
Fr David added, "The cost of the work is £7,708 for the lot to be done. This equates to £185 per bench. I asked the parish last week if they would care to sponsor a bench alone or with a group, perhaps in memory of a loved one. The parishioners responded quickly and positively, as I have already received enough pledges to ensure that each one of the 36 benches can be renovated."
Mark Jones, parish spokesperson, described the work "A team of skilled cabinet makers and carpenters from "The Craft Workshop", a local firm located in Victoria Street, Felixstowe, has been chosen to carry out the work. The benches, made from pitch pine, are beautifully crafted - not a nail or screw in sight - however they all show very distinct signs of wear and tear. The processes to be used during the renovation and refurbishment will return the wood back to its original condition. Everyone is really excited by the prospect of a fresh look and feel to the church, especially when there's an opportunity to be involved through sponsorship."
He continued "Not only is it a fitting time to remember all the parishioners and parish priests from the past, but it also allows present and future generations to appreciate and enjoy their own significant contributions to the parish for many years to come. A project on this scale is rarely carried out these days, so it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to document and record the work as it progresses."
Dave French of The Craft Workshop said "Over the years we've seen many examples of churches removing the old pews and replacing them with chairs. We're delighted to be given this opportunity to give these ones a new lease of life. We will be carefully restoring real pieces of craftsmanship which were made around 100 years ago. It's a joy to know that the potential is there for the community to enjoy them for another 100 years."
Fr David Hennessy, parish priest, said "We are all looking forward to having the church redecorated this year, but it would be a pity to redecorate the church without, at the same time, renovating the benches which are almost 100 years old and looking rather shabby."
Fr David added, "The cost of the work is £7,708 for the lot to be done. This equates to £185 per bench. I asked the parish last week if they would care to sponsor a bench alone or with a group, perhaps in memory of a loved one. The parishioners responded quickly and positively, as I have already received enough pledges to ensure that each one of the 36 benches can be renovated."
Mark Jones, parish spokesperson, described the work "A team of skilled cabinet makers and carpenters from "The Craft Workshop", a local firm located in Victoria Street, Felixstowe, has been chosen to carry out the work. The benches, made from pitch pine, are beautifully crafted - not a nail or screw in sight - however they all show very distinct signs of wear and tear. The processes to be used during the renovation and refurbishment will return the wood back to its original condition. Everyone is really excited by the prospect of a fresh look and feel to the church, especially when there's an opportunity to be involved through sponsorship."
He continued "Not only is it a fitting time to remember all the parishioners and parish priests from the past, but it also allows present and future generations to appreciate and enjoy their own significant contributions to the parish for many years to come. A project on this scale is rarely carried out these days, so it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to document and record the work as it progresses."
Dave French of The Craft Workshop said "Over the years we've seen many examples of churches removing the old pews and replacing them with chairs. We're delighted to be given this opportunity to give these ones a new lease of life. We will be carefully restoring real pieces of craftsmanship which were made around 100 years ago. It's a joy to know that the potential is there for the community to enjoy them for another 100 years."