Flush Fund

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UNDERBANK (STANNINGTON) CHAPEL CHARITIES (Reg. No. 510322)

FLUSH FUND PROJECT AT UNDERBANK CHAPEL, STANNINGTON

GRANT STATEMENT

What is the Charity

The Charity comprises a group of three Grade 2 listed buildings – Underbank Chapel, The Chapel Cottage and 'The Schoolroom'.

The Chapel itself (founded in 1652) was constructed in 1743. There is no doctrinal test on either the Minister or any Member of the Congregation. For that reason, the Chapel is used for Christenings, Weddings and Funerals by many residents of Stannington and the surrounding area, for those of different faith beliefs and some of no definite religious belief and by those of little or no religious belief.

What we have already done in the last few years

The Schoolroom (Built 1854) - The day school was not a 'denominational school' as such: it taught no catechism and did not require scholars or teachers to have any particular religious background and the building was used as a day school until 1911, when Stannington's first Council School came into use. The Schoolroom was used by the Home Guard in the Second World War. The building is now used as a community centre by various groups. Among the regular users are the Stannington Community Art Group who meet every Wednesday morning (and have an annual exhibition every May) and a Ladies Group who meet monthly. The building is also used by individuals for children's and adults' celebrations - Birthdays, Anniversaries etc) and by charity groups for fundraising activities and meetings. This is following expenditure of over £8,000 to repair and decorate the premises and designed to make the building more attractive to be an asset to even more groups and to the whole of Stannington.

The Chapel Cottage – Following the retirement of the Caretaker, over £10,000 was spent to renovate the building and let it out to provide an income for the Charity.

Underbank Chapel (Built 1743) - The cost of replacing lead stolen from the roof was over £7,000; not all of which was covered by insurance.

What is needed and why

The three buildings have had an interesting and useful past. However, it is not the past which concerns us but the future. We wish to ensure that we pass on to future generations well maintained buildings which are attractive, inside and out, and which serve the local community now and in the future.

In particular, we need to provide:-

• Disability friendly inside toilet facilities - Urgently needed for all the users of the Chapel but especially for visitors attending village Weddings and Naming ceremonies.
• Provision of refreshment facility – To provide a convenient refreshment facility for visitors and after Services to serve the needs of the community in Stannington who use the Chapel for village christenings, weddings and funerals.
• We need these facilities because there has never been a toilet in the building and visitors, who may have travelled a distance to arrive at the Chapel, often need to use a toilet and appreciate the offer of a cup of tea or coffee.

What is proposed

Our Architect has submitted plans to the Local Authority for the adaption of the current space beneath the rear balcony and conversion of the present small Vestry and slightly larger storage area into three new areas; comprising a disability friendly Toilet, a relocated small Vestry plus a small Kitchen area to provide refreshments to visitors. A tender for the building work has been accepted

What will it cost?

We estimate an overall cost of between £22,000 and £25,000, including bringing in water, installing new sewage pipes and fitting a new septic tank.

Why we need to raise money

Maintaining Grade Two Listed buildings is costly and there are few sources of public funding, we need to attract funds from as wide a range of Trusts and individuals as we are able. We have already spent the money we had on maintaining and improving the heritage buildings in our care and also sold investments to raise the remainder of the money to finance the previous expenditure of over £20,000 (net) and do not have a great deal of money left.

Fund Raising: To date, we have:-

• Produced an appeal leaflet to be delivered locally.
• Started the process of writing to local and national bodies.
• At the end of 2011, we had raised just over £13,000 towards the cost of the project and, with further grant aid sought from Trusts and Individuals, we feel that we are now in a position to start the project in 2012.

Building Works: To date, we have:-

• Appointed an Architect.
• Created, amended & approved plans.
• Obtained building regulations approval (and are awaiting final planning & listed building approvals).
• Cleared the septic tank site.
• Agreed access across neighbouring land.
• Appointed a builder and agreed a price for building works to be completed over a period of 6 weeks.

We need your help, to:-

• Donate either a lump sum or to agree to complete a monthly standing order form.
• GiftAid any donation, if this is possible for you.
• Let us know if you are aware of any individuals or grant aiding bodies that might support us.
• Suggest fundraising activities.

Contact the Appeal Treasurer (to donate, to obtain standing order forms or for any other queries:-

Gavin Mason 0114 230 5482

9, Chorley Avenue, Sheffield S10 3RP

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