Beeston Methodist Church has taken a key step towards moving ahead with a major modernisation project by hitting its own £200,000 fundraising target.
Mission Possible was launched by the church two years ago to show its commitment towards a proposed £1.6m redevelopment scheme aimed at updating its distinctive 120-year-old building on Chilwell Road.
Now, thanks to generous gifts from church members and strong support for a sustained series of fundraising events, success has been achieved.
A third gift day on April 29 raised more than £21,000 and further recent donations and other fundraising, has taken the church through the £200,000 barrier.
Fundraising events have ranged from afternoon teas to a 24-hour music-a-thon, which raised £5,000 towards the restoration and modernisation of the 1902 pipe organ.
Musicians responded magnificently when they heard about the church plans to give the impressive instrument a complete overhaul as part of the redevelopment project.
About 75 local musicians stepped up one weekend last August to perform in half hour slots throughout the day and night, filling the church with music for 24 hours.
The rolling programme of fundraising events has included a craft fair, family breakfasts before the start of Sunday services, afternoon teas, a quiz, a sale of scarves and handbags, a carol concert by the Salvation Army Band, a dinner and talk by a former President of the Methodist church, fine dining evenings, tombola stalls and a sponsored swim.
More cash was generated by backing the Beeston Garden Trail, selling unwanted Christmas presents, organising open house events, supporting the Ride and Stride walk, a church family concert and a series of organ recitals.
Chris Bridges, chair of the BMC Redevelopment Group, said “Hitting our £200,000 target is an important milestone. We can now move forward with confidence and take the necessary steps to get the building work underway as soon as possible”.
After years deliberating over various redevelopment schemes, the church proposes a programme of essential work to maintain the fabric of the building for the next few decades. Re-slating and insulating the church roof, double glazing windows and installing a new heating system, will reduce heating bills. The coffee bar area will also be upgraded.
The cost of the improvements will be largely met from money received from the sale of Methodist church buildings in the Beeston and Chilwell area.
Beeston Methodist Church is already used by hundreds of people a week, who attend a wide range of church and community activities. The refurbishment will enable the church to respond ever better to community needs in the years ahead.