After nine months of hard work St Peter’s Church recently received formal faculty approval from the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham for our ‘Community’ Tower Project. The aim of the project is to develop the rear area of the Church (Tower base and Otter’s Corner – in the South West corner of the Church) and vestry as a ‘community’ facility and to improve facilities for those using the Church for prayer and worship. These developments are fundamental to ensure the long-term viability of the Church as a church and as a facility for the local community.

 §         To develop the ‘Otter’s Corner’ of the Church as a children’s, community and exhibition area. Exhibition banners will usually be displayed featuring the history of the locality, the famous Sampson diaries (the diary of a C17th Clayworth Rector), local history e.g. the Chesterfield Canal and local walks and the Church’s nationally renowned Traquair Murals. We will promote use of the area to local primary and secondary schools for use in art and history projects and for extracurricular activities. When needed the exhibition banners will be removed and the area will then be available for meetings, a crèche facility etc. The facility will be provided free of charge to community groups with bookings co-ordinated by the Church.

 §         To install a disabled toilet at the base of the tower and servery facilities. This will support and encourage the use of the ‘Otter’s Corner’ at the rear of the Church by community groups and facilitate the greater use of the Church for concerts and events and as a tourist destination. A new bell ringing chamber will also be created above the disabled toilet and servery facilities.   

 To finance the Community Tower Project we need to raise approximately £55,000 - £65,000 from a mix of grant applications and fund raising activities. To date we have secured grants of nearly £30,000 and have held a variety of successful fund raising events. We do, however, have a substantial task in raising more money and urgently need support from local residents who are interested in helping us in the development of the Church building as a community resource and tourism attraction – perhaps through a ‘friends’ of St Peter’s Group. It you can help with fund raising or wish to make a donation please contact myself for further information.