On Saturday 11 September we invited the world into our building to see the result of the refurbishment, to mark the completion of the project and to formally thank all those who made it possible, including the organisations that provided grants towards the work.
We were pleased to welcome Rushcliffe MP Ruth Edwards. Also attending were Colleen Hempson and Cllr Angus Sowter, representing the East Midlands Airport Community Fund from which we obtained a grant towards equipment in the kitchen.
A good number of others from the village and wider area dropped in throughout the day, including members of the East Leake Historical Society and one intrepid cyclist on the Notts Historic Churches Trust Ride and Stride event, which we were also supporting that day.
At 4 pm, I gave what passed for an opening speech, although there was no ribbon to cut since we were already inside the building!
It was really good to see so many people, many of whom may never have been inside the chapel before.
We want to see our building being in constant use throughout the week, with many people coming and going, as we build relationships, meet people’s needs, and share the good news of God’s kingdom. My hope is that the open day was another step towards that.
Information about hiring the chapel or the other rooms can be found on our room bookings page.
We are most grateful to the following organisations who provided generous grants towards the refurbishment: The Baptist Union of Great Britain, The Beatrice Laing Trust, The Congregational and General Charitable Trust, East Midlands Airport Community Fund, The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, Nottinghamshire Historic Churches Trust, The Rank Foundation, and Rushcliffe Borough Council.