The Friends of St Myllin’s have funded many improvements to the church building and grounds to preserve it as a place and a space for the community.
Extending the performance space at the font of the Church
When the interior of the Church was extensively altered in the 19th century, two non-structural columns were built in the chancel. These severely restrict the space available for larger groups of performers such as choirs and bands. We plan to build a temporary platform that will double the chancel level in front of the columns and provide ramp access to the chancel area for wheelchair users. This work is planned for Autumn 2023 and we will be fund raising over the summer.
Improving the Access to and within the Church
Our most significant project to date aims to provide easy access for those with wheelchairs or who arrive in pushchairs. This involves building new steps and a ramp that is in keeping with the style of the existing building. Inside, we are modifying a group of pews so those in wheelchairs can sit in the body of the Church alongside their friends and family rather than being parked at the back “out of the way”. At present (March 2023), we have all permissions required to proceed and are about to go out to tender for the construction work. The overall project cost is estimated to be £30,000 for which we are activity seeking funding.
Handrail up the approach path
The path from the lych gate to the front doors is quite steep. In view of the ancient nature of the site, it is impractical to alter the incline for those less able to walk up unaided. In December 2022, we engaged Will O’Brien and his team – a local artist blacksmith from Berriew to make and install a handrail in keeping with the setting.
Pruning the Lime Tree
A large Lime tree on the North-West corner of the Churchyard overlooks the houses of Green Square. In September 2022, a local Tree Surgeon reduced the top of the tree to give more light to the gardens of the houses.
Enhancing the environmental credentials of the Churchyard
We have taken advice from Caring for God’s Acre to discover how we should be looking after the Churchyard. During 2022, nest boxes were installed on some of the trees and crocus bulbs were planted to provide future colour. An area that was too steep to mow was planted with meadow species to create a meadow garden. This is an ongoing project that will be followed through in subsequent years.
New oil tank
By 2020 the steel oil tank condition was becoming very problematic. Any leakage was likely to incur severe penalties from Natural Resources Wales. A special design of tank was identified that could be fitted safely under a window. The installation was part-funded by The Friends.
Church Notice Board
Soon after The Friends was formed, we received a request for a new notice board. The old one, made of wood, was a very poor condition. In April 2019, we made our first gift of a new notice board.