Church to host open day after its revamp

MEMBERS of East Leake Baptist Church have revealed the £136,000 refurbishment of their grade II-listed chapel, part of which dates back to 1756, is now complete.

A church open day to celebrate the completion is taking place on Saturday, September 11, from 10am to 5pm, with a short presentation at 4pm.

The renovation has created a big meeting space in the village that church members hope will be used by a variety of community groups.

A major part of the work was installation of underfloor heating to replace a large-bore pipe system, which had become increasingly leaky and unreliable.

The former pipes had run along the step up to a central “pew platform” and had obstructed earlier plans to level the floor. The new stepfree floor has created a large, safe area suitable for a wide range of activities.

Church deacon Ian Goldby said: “We are a small church. The work to obtain the required listed building consents and then raise sufficient funds was challenging, and then Covid-19 set us back by several months, but we are absolutely delighted with the final result.

“We now want to see the building in constant use and to become a hub of the local community.”

In addition to the chapel works, a new kitchen has been fitted with facilities for preparing hot food.

The work was funded by direct giving by church members and the generosity of a number of organisations, including The Baptist Union of Great Britain and The Rank Foundation.

The church is in Costock Road and there is a car park nearby, postcode LE12 6HY.