This is such a worthwhile cause helping to preserve St John's Church, I know many of us have ancestors buried there:-
Ask around your friends and family and collect used printer ink cartridges, unwanted mobile telephones, loose change, bits of gold jewellery even if broken
We always need tombola prizes especially bottles, cosmetics and toiletries, biscuits and chocolates, packets of sweets, stationery, gift sets and unwanted gifts. Also clothing, shoes, linens, handbags, soft toys, bric a brac, books and toys.
Organise a fundraising event for us eg a coffee morning, bring and buy, garage sale or anything sponsored.
Recommend us as a cause worthy of support to groups, friends, associations or clubs
Volunteer some of your time
Make regular donations to St John's Church Preservation Group and please do remember us in your will but ensure that the legacy is to St John's Church PRESERVATION GROUP.
Purchase a copy of the 'Tales From A Churchyard, St John's, Kates Hill, Dudley' by Chris Smith available from us on mail order at £8.99 or in person through SJCPG at £7.50. All proceeds from the book go towards Saving St John's Church.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US
At our drop in centre next door to St John's Church in the Old School House. Open Monday to Friday 9.30-4.30pm, we aim to open at weekends as well soon
On Dudley market every Saturday, bring tombola prizes straight there if you wish as we are often very short, also loose change collections or donations
Check local press, our facebook and website as we are often at other local events as well especially in the summer
By telephone, email, post or facebook see details below
UPDATE ON THE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE ST JOHN'S CHURCH
• The church building was condemned as unsafe and closed in 2002
• St John's Church Preservation Group formed 2007
• Further survey shows the building to be repairable 2008
• Overgrown graveyard cleared 2008-2009 and now maintained
• Building Grade II listed by English Heritage 2009.
• Church Authorities grant permission to start first repair works 2009
• Feasibility Study 'The Future For St John's Church' commissioned
• Restoration works started February 2011
ST JOHN’S CHURCH PRESERVATION GROUP
The Old School House, St John’s Road, Kates Hill, DUDLEY, West Midlands, DY2 7JT
Drop in telephone number 0752 218 4461
Committee number 0787 119 5042 (evenings and weekends)
www.savestjohnschurch.zoomshare.com
Facebook group Save St John's Church, Kates Hill, Dudley
savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk
PATRON Dr Carl Chinn
St Johns Church Preservation Group
Moderators: Northern Lass, admin
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Northern Lass
- Posts: 45973
- Joined: Tue Sep 30, 2008 8:12 am
- Primary Surname Interests: Hinett, Rose, Round, Shakespear, Wilkins,
- Primary Geographical Research Areas: Black Country, Wiltshire, Newcastle upon Tyne
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Antie Em
- Posts: 4309
- Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2010 5:17 am
- Primary Surname Interests: Salt, Jones, Humphries, Riley, Barklam/Bartlam, Shilvock, Guest
- Primary Geographical Research Areas: Halesowen, Dudley, Clent, Tipton, Rowley Regis, Kingswinford, Wall Heath
- Contact:
Re: St Johns Church Preservation Group
From: savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk
To: savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk
Subject: NEWS FROM ST JOHN'S CHURCH PRESERVATION GROUP 25.6.11 PLEASE READ!!
Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2011 19:06:15 +0000
Latest Newsletter from St John's Preservation Group
FEASIBILITY STUDY 'THE FUTURE FOR ST JOHN'S CHURCH'
EVERYTHING for the future of St John's depends on the outcome of the three elements of the Feasibility Study.
The online community consultation prepared for St John's Church Preservation Group by Oakham Research is now LIVE and we urge you to take a few minutes to complete it and forward the link to as many people as possible.
Anyone with an interest in St John's - whether as a place of worship, a community building or as a Black Country heritage building can complete the survey.
We aim to get at least 2000 responses to this survey which will sit alongside the St John's Church Steering Group survey to inform future funders and the Church Commissioners so please pass this link to everyone you know with any interest in St John's, and if that involves inviting a non computer neighbour to come and sit at your computer for a few minutes please do!
**A paper copy can also be made available if needed. **
We also need anyone with a local business or organisation with a website who would put this on as a link to do so. Please let us know if you have so that we can direct people to your website and pass you some appropriate wording to go with it.
The Preservation Group will not be seeing individual responses to this questionnaire, which is being independently assessed. The questionnaire was passed to all members of the St John's Church Steering Group for comment and was piloted with members of the public twice before being finally closed off as ready to go.
The Oakham Research survey link will stay live until midnight on 14th September 2011.
Please take a few minutes out and be amongst the first to complete the survey NOW.
http://surveys.omni-web.co.uk/oakhamstjohns
Another element of the feasibility study is the survey form presented to the St John's Church Steering Group on 15th June.
This survey contains details of three 'scenarios' ie possible alterations to the church building, and a number of other questions. We immediately raised serious concerns regarding this form which we had not seen before and have made further representations on that basis.
The current plan is for the public to have sight of the plans and the chance to complete this survey in just three hours on Saturday 9th July from 2-5pm.
We have asked for extra sessions to be made available and for the survey form to be revisited.
However, it could be that the event on 9th July will be it, and the questionnaire will be it, in which case can we ask everyone who possibly can to reserve some time in their diary on SATURDAY 9TH JULY 2-5PM as unsatisfactory as it is this MAY be our only chance.
The third important element to the feasibility study is finding potential USERS of the building - occasional or regular - who would pay a fee which would help with running costs.
This could include individuals, charities, health organisations, community groups, businesses, event organisers.
If you have any contacts or ideas please contact either us or Oakham Research who are also conducting the Potential User Survey. Contact Oakham Research on 01384 353910 or john.poole@oakhamresearch.com. Website www.oakhamresearch.com
We aim to find at least 100 potential users and we need your help with identifying these.
This part of the study will stay open until 14th September.
All the elements of the Feasibility Study will report to the Steering Group on 4th October 2011.
CONDITION OF THE ST JOHN'S CHURCH BUILDING
We have been concerned at the continuation of inaccurate comments concerning the condition of the St John's Church building.
This is very confusing for our supporters who wonder what the truth really is.
The full surveys on St John's can be read here
http://www.spanglefish.com/StJohnsSurve ... geid=86136
The building was closed in 2002 following a routine 5 year inspection which indicated that the roof could be at risk of collapse.
We have no argument with the Diocese of Worcester for closing the building at that time, there was no other decision which could be made on receipt of such a report. However:
In 2005 English Heritage also inspected the building and did not agree with the decision which had been made.
In 2008 The Diocese of Worcester commissioned an extensive survey 'The Sedwell Report' which stated
"The major roofs to the nave, chancel and aisles presented little to raise any structural concern. Decay was found but in our experience far worse is often discovered in other churches where the structural condition is not regarded as hazardous. In consequence there is some confusion as to why such a dramatic recommendation was made in 2002".
On the structure:
"The building is very well founded and when we observed the structure beneath the floor its monumentality was impressive and exciting."
On the Rainwater Goods
"Given that no maintenance is given the amount of debris in the guttering is less severe than expected. Despite this we have to make a recommendation that drainage is improved significantly."..............Which brings us to our GOOD news for the building....................
Also at Steering Group on 15th June it was agreed that we can REPLACE THE WHOLE DRAINAGE SYSTEM for the building and RENOVATE THE LYCHGATE. St John's Parochial Church Council need to discuss this at their meeting on 22nd July, but as long as they agree more restoration work on St John's will start very soon afterwards.
Steve Sedwell author of the 'Sedwell Report' has also been commissioned to oversee the restoration of the lychgate.
FINALLY........DIARY DATES
THURSDAY 30TH JUNE 7.30PM AT THE ST JOHN'S CHURCH PRESERVATION GROUP DROP IN INFORMATION CENTRE,
THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE , ST JOHN'S ROAD, KATES HILL, DUDLEY DY2 7JT
OPEN MIND MEETING. Donations taken suggested minimum £1 plus raffle. Funds raised go towards the restoration of St John's.
This meeting will see a RARE CHANCE TO MEET WELL KNOWN ARTIST AND THINKER DAVID BINGHAM - portrait painter of celebrities such as Noddy Holder, Terry Waite, Mike McCartney (brother of Paul), Paul Weller, Tony Benn, Steve Harley, Sylvia Sims and wrestler Kendo Nagasaki.
David is a proponent of 'Non Conceptual Awareness'.
"Non Conceptual Awareness is the awareness within which all experiences arise. It is the Knower of everything that is known."
This will be the topic of the talk on Thursday evening. Do not miss this!
More information and photographs of his art on David Bingham's website http://nonconceptualawareness.com/
Everyone is welcome, just come along.
FRIDAY 1ST JULY 6.30PM MEET AT THE LYCHGATE OR IN THE DROP IN IF RAINING
SOCIAL MEETING FOR CURRENT AND POTENTIAL HELPERS tour of the grounds, chat, refreshments. Come along and meet some of the helpers and see if you would like to join the team. Volunteers can be from age 12 - 15 (with parental permission), then from age 16 to no upper age limit. Everyone can do something. Parents volunteering can bring their children with them and we welcome disabled volunteers as long as we can accommodate their needs. We need lots and lots more helpers.
SATURDAY 2ND JULY GROUNDS CLEARANCE at St John's anytime from 2pm to 6pm.Bring the family, bring a picnic, bring gloves.
There's a lot of work to do, all very simple and easy and we need YOU. Telephone contact on the day 0787 119 5042.
TUESDAY 5TH JULY 7.30pm AT THE DROP IN. MEETING OF THE ST JOHN'S CHURCH PRESERVATION GROUP NEW JOHNIANS DRAMA GROUP
If you can act, sing, make props, be a gofer, make costumes please come along. Beginners will be given tuition.
Casting soon for the new Tipton Slasher mystery play to be performed at the Tipton Canal Festival 17th and 18th September.
Proceeds from performances help with St John's restoration funds.
THURSDAY 7TH JULY 7.30pm THE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE ST JOHN'S AND THE LOCAL HISTORY AT ST JOHN'S a talk at the Friends of Dudley Archive by Deb Brownlee Chair of St John's Church Preservation Group and Chris Smith author Tales From A Churchyard, St John's, Kates Hill. Open to the public, more details here http://www.communigate.co.uk/bc/fdalhs/index.phtml
EVERY WEDNESDAY AT THE DROP IN INFORMATION CENTRE 'MOMS POPS & TOTS' COFFEE MORNING FOR PARENTS/CARERS WITH CHILDREN UP TO 4 YEARS
EVERY FRIDAY AT THE DROP IN INFORMATION CENTRE 11AM TO 3PM JUMBLE SALE
"Working Together To Save St John's Church"
To: savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk
Subject: NEWS FROM ST JOHN'S CHURCH PRESERVATION GROUP 25.6.11 PLEASE READ!!
Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2011 19:06:15 +0000
Latest Newsletter from St John's Preservation Group
FEASIBILITY STUDY 'THE FUTURE FOR ST JOHN'S CHURCH'
EVERYTHING for the future of St John's depends on the outcome of the three elements of the Feasibility Study.
The online community consultation prepared for St John's Church Preservation Group by Oakham Research is now LIVE and we urge you to take a few minutes to complete it and forward the link to as many people as possible.
Anyone with an interest in St John's - whether as a place of worship, a community building or as a Black Country heritage building can complete the survey.
We aim to get at least 2000 responses to this survey which will sit alongside the St John's Church Steering Group survey to inform future funders and the Church Commissioners so please pass this link to everyone you know with any interest in St John's, and if that involves inviting a non computer neighbour to come and sit at your computer for a few minutes please do!
**A paper copy can also be made available if needed. **
We also need anyone with a local business or organisation with a website who would put this on as a link to do so. Please let us know if you have so that we can direct people to your website and pass you some appropriate wording to go with it.
The Preservation Group will not be seeing individual responses to this questionnaire, which is being independently assessed. The questionnaire was passed to all members of the St John's Church Steering Group for comment and was piloted with members of the public twice before being finally closed off as ready to go.
The Oakham Research survey link will stay live until midnight on 14th September 2011.
Please take a few minutes out and be amongst the first to complete the survey NOW.
http://surveys.omni-web.co.uk/oakhamstjohns
Another element of the feasibility study is the survey form presented to the St John's Church Steering Group on 15th June.
This survey contains details of three 'scenarios' ie possible alterations to the church building, and a number of other questions. We immediately raised serious concerns regarding this form which we had not seen before and have made further representations on that basis.
The current plan is for the public to have sight of the plans and the chance to complete this survey in just three hours on Saturday 9th July from 2-5pm.
We have asked for extra sessions to be made available and for the survey form to be revisited.
However, it could be that the event on 9th July will be it, and the questionnaire will be it, in which case can we ask everyone who possibly can to reserve some time in their diary on SATURDAY 9TH JULY 2-5PM as unsatisfactory as it is this MAY be our only chance.
The third important element to the feasibility study is finding potential USERS of the building - occasional or regular - who would pay a fee which would help with running costs.
This could include individuals, charities, health organisations, community groups, businesses, event organisers.
If you have any contacts or ideas please contact either us or Oakham Research who are also conducting the Potential User Survey. Contact Oakham Research on 01384 353910 or john.poole@oakhamresearch.com. Website www.oakhamresearch.com
We aim to find at least 100 potential users and we need your help with identifying these.
This part of the study will stay open until 14th September.
All the elements of the Feasibility Study will report to the Steering Group on 4th October 2011.
CONDITION OF THE ST JOHN'S CHURCH BUILDING
We have been concerned at the continuation of inaccurate comments concerning the condition of the St John's Church building.
This is very confusing for our supporters who wonder what the truth really is.
The full surveys on St John's can be read here
http://www.spanglefish.com/StJohnsSurve ... geid=86136
The building was closed in 2002 following a routine 5 year inspection which indicated that the roof could be at risk of collapse.
We have no argument with the Diocese of Worcester for closing the building at that time, there was no other decision which could be made on receipt of such a report. However:
In 2005 English Heritage also inspected the building and did not agree with the decision which had been made.
In 2008 The Diocese of Worcester commissioned an extensive survey 'The Sedwell Report' which stated
"The major roofs to the nave, chancel and aisles presented little to raise any structural concern. Decay was found but in our experience far worse is often discovered in other churches where the structural condition is not regarded as hazardous. In consequence there is some confusion as to why such a dramatic recommendation was made in 2002".
On the structure:
"The building is very well founded and when we observed the structure beneath the floor its monumentality was impressive and exciting."
On the Rainwater Goods
"Given that no maintenance is given the amount of debris in the guttering is less severe than expected. Despite this we have to make a recommendation that drainage is improved significantly."..............Which brings us to our GOOD news for the building....................
Also at Steering Group on 15th June it was agreed that we can REPLACE THE WHOLE DRAINAGE SYSTEM for the building and RENOVATE THE LYCHGATE. St John's Parochial Church Council need to discuss this at their meeting on 22nd July, but as long as they agree more restoration work on St John's will start very soon afterwards.
Steve Sedwell author of the 'Sedwell Report' has also been commissioned to oversee the restoration of the lychgate.
FINALLY........DIARY DATES
THURSDAY 30TH JUNE 7.30PM AT THE ST JOHN'S CHURCH PRESERVATION GROUP DROP IN INFORMATION CENTRE,
THE OLD SCHOOL HOUSE , ST JOHN'S ROAD, KATES HILL, DUDLEY DY2 7JT
OPEN MIND MEETING. Donations taken suggested minimum £1 plus raffle. Funds raised go towards the restoration of St John's.
This meeting will see a RARE CHANCE TO MEET WELL KNOWN ARTIST AND THINKER DAVID BINGHAM - portrait painter of celebrities such as Noddy Holder, Terry Waite, Mike McCartney (brother of Paul), Paul Weller, Tony Benn, Steve Harley, Sylvia Sims and wrestler Kendo Nagasaki.
David is a proponent of 'Non Conceptual Awareness'.
"Non Conceptual Awareness is the awareness within which all experiences arise. It is the Knower of everything that is known."
This will be the topic of the talk on Thursday evening. Do not miss this!
More information and photographs of his art on David Bingham's website http://nonconceptualawareness.com/
Everyone is welcome, just come along.
FRIDAY 1ST JULY 6.30PM MEET AT THE LYCHGATE OR IN THE DROP IN IF RAINING
SOCIAL MEETING FOR CURRENT AND POTENTIAL HELPERS tour of the grounds, chat, refreshments. Come along and meet some of the helpers and see if you would like to join the team. Volunteers can be from age 12 - 15 (with parental permission), then from age 16 to no upper age limit. Everyone can do something. Parents volunteering can bring their children with them and we welcome disabled volunteers as long as we can accommodate their needs. We need lots and lots more helpers.
SATURDAY 2ND JULY GROUNDS CLEARANCE at St John's anytime from 2pm to 6pm.Bring the family, bring a picnic, bring gloves.
There's a lot of work to do, all very simple and easy and we need YOU. Telephone contact on the day 0787 119 5042.
TUESDAY 5TH JULY 7.30pm AT THE DROP IN. MEETING OF THE ST JOHN'S CHURCH PRESERVATION GROUP NEW JOHNIANS DRAMA GROUP
If you can act, sing, make props, be a gofer, make costumes please come along. Beginners will be given tuition.
Casting soon for the new Tipton Slasher mystery play to be performed at the Tipton Canal Festival 17th and 18th September.
Proceeds from performances help with St John's restoration funds.
THURSDAY 7TH JULY 7.30pm THE CAMPAIGN TO SAVE ST JOHN'S AND THE LOCAL HISTORY AT ST JOHN'S a talk at the Friends of Dudley Archive by Deb Brownlee Chair of St John's Church Preservation Group and Chris Smith author Tales From A Churchyard, St John's, Kates Hill. Open to the public, more details here http://www.communigate.co.uk/bc/fdalhs/index.phtml
EVERY WEDNESDAY AT THE DROP IN INFORMATION CENTRE 'MOMS POPS & TOTS' COFFEE MORNING FOR PARENTS/CARERS WITH CHILDREN UP TO 4 YEARS
EVERY FRIDAY AT THE DROP IN INFORMATION CENTRE 11AM TO 3PM JUMBLE SALE
"Working Together To Save St John's Church"
There's no place like home ......
-
Antie Em
- Posts: 4309
- Joined: Thu Oct 07, 2010 5:17 am
- Primary Surname Interests: Salt, Jones, Humphries, Riley, Barklam/Bartlam, Shilvock, Guest
- Primary Geographical Research Areas: Halesowen, Dudley, Clent, Tipton, Rowley Regis, Kingswinford, Wall Heath
- Contact:
Re: St Johns Church Preservation Group
Wednesday, 6 July, 2011 13:08:23OUR CHANCE TO PROVE THE CASE TO SAVE AND RE-OPEN ST JOHN'S - URGENT ACTION NEEDED
From: St John's Church Preservation Group <savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk>Add to Contacts
To: St John's Church Preservation Group <savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk>
Well here we are at last. Our big chance to show The Diocese and the Church Commissioners the public support for re-opening St John's. As usual but even more importantly than ever before please pass this email on to anyone else interested and print it off for your non email friends.
We have until Saturday afternoon 9th July between 2 and 5pm to drum up at least 500 people to get to the Parish Hall to complete a survey form arranged by the Diocese of Worcester. This form will be used to assess public support for re-opening St John's Church, and what it might be used for, which includes the possibility of re-opening it as a place of worship. You can't have the form in advance, or by post, or by email, or afterwards - the intention is to judge us on how many people we can turn out to attend in person and complete the form on the day.
Further information reproduced below and on attachment.
Please assist us in every way you can.
Please pass this message to all your contacts and print off copies of the attached to display as posters in shops, your houses, cars, offices, pubs and clubs, and to give to people.
It is essential that we get a good turnout.
Participants do not need to live in the parish area to complete the questionnaire or have any intention of worshipping at St John's. They may be interested in St John's as a heritage building and potential community centre and perhaps support future fundraising events there. St John's is a symbol for the whole Black Country not just Dudley.
We have organised a fun day to run alongside the Parish Hall consultation period 2-5pm. There will be musicians, a town crier, stalls, jumble sale, free food, free facepainting, and a free raffle for a bottle of whisky for everyone who comes out of the Parish Hall.
If you know anyone who can do any sort of street entertainment, a clown for instance, or unicycle rider, accordion player, any other musicians or dancers please get in touch straightaway.
CARL CHINN
St John's Church Preservation Group patron Carl Chinn gave out two impassioned appeals for attendance on his BBC Radio WM show last Sunday - you might like to listen - this link will be live until Sunday morning only - go in at 1) 0.08.28 and the second mention 2) is at 0.14.44.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00hp6kv
MARK CRUMP
One of our supporter singer/songerwriter Mark Crump has very quickly rewritten and performed the Police Song 'Message in a Bottle' to be an SOS to Save St John's. Listen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LvcAopN ... e=youtu.be
He's done a great job and will also be performing for us on Saturday between 2pm and 5pm so you can listen to him live then as well
ESSENTIAL ONLINE SURVEY TO COMPLETE AS WELL
In addition to coming along on Saturday, PLEASE complete the online survey, which is part two of the feasibilty study (Parish Hall is part 1) and provides ESSENTIAL information for the future business plan. Please pass the link to all your friends, colleagues and family as well. It takes about 10 minutes to complete and we need at least 2000 responses.
http://surveys.omni-web.co.uk/oakhamstjohns
There will also be a bank of 6 laptop computers available in our drop in information centre on Saturday, with John Poole of Oakham Research, the designer of the online survey, in charge so the survey can also be completed online while you are with us.
URGENT REQUISITIONS LIST FOR SATURDAY IF YOU CAN HELP
We need the loan of:
Folding Tables - any sizes will be useful
Mobile Internet Dongles with data free
We need:
Donations of food (sandwiches, cakes, crips, biscuits), tea, coffee, sugar, long life milk, squash
We need:
Volunteer car park marshalls
Volunteer tour guides (crib sheet provided)
People with cars on standby if we get asked for lifts
Leaflet deliverers - needed NOW we have 2 days left. Go straight to the drop in, collect some leaflets and put your name by the side of the street(s) you can deliver. The telephone number at the drop in is 0752 218 4461 and it's open 9.30-4.30pm. To get at the leaflets outside of these hours ring Tony on 0754 476 4261 or Deb 0787 119 5042.
We also need Urdu and Punjabi interpreters (we have some but need more) and please tell all your friends from other faiths and cultures that this consultation INCLUDES THEM and we actively appeal to them to participate.
FRIENDS OF THE THE ARCHIVES TALK 'ST JOHN'S CHURCH'
Deb Brownlee Chair of St John's Church Preservation Group and Chris Smith, historian, author, editor of Village Voice, author of Tales From a Churchyard, St John's, Kates Hill, Dudley will be giving at a talk at Dudley Archive this Thursday 7th July evening at 7.30pm.
More info here, guests are welcome
http://www.communigate.co.uk/bc/fdalhs/
DUDLEY MARKET
Our tombola stall will run as usual this Saturday but will close at 4pm to give the market volunteers chance to get to the Parish Hall to vote.
Plaza Mall stall will NOT be open as Marie will be performing with the New Johnians up near the Parish Hall.
We need more helpers for the Plaza Mall stall.
QUALITY PRINT
A mention must be given to Tom Kiely of Quality Print, by Greggs on Pensnett Trading Estate. They have printed several thousand leaflets for us at very short notice, using good quality paper and at a very reasonable price.
We can't recommend them highly enough, contact details
Second Avenue, West Midlands, Kingswinford DY6 7UW
01384 280115
qpp@onebillnet.co.uk
THANK YOU TO ALL
Who are helping us put this day together, it has to be said it is a time for finding out some friends we didn't know we had as we appeal for help at such short notice and we are being amazed at the incredible input by people some of whom we didn't even know cared so much. THANK YOU TO ALL.
"Working Together To Save St John's Church"
St John's Church Preservation Group
St John's Church Preservation Group Drop In Information Centre, The Old School House,
St John's Road, Kates Hill, Dudley, DY2 7JT
www.savestjohnschurch.zoomshare.com
facebook Save St John's Church, Kates Hill, Dudley and
StJohnschurch PreservationGroup
IT’S NOW OR NEVER
TO SAVE ST JOHN’S CHURCH
THERE WILL BE NO SECOND CHANCE
Contact us if you need help with transport to get to the hall
Whether you wish to worship at St Johns
Or want it to be a community centre
Want to use it for family occasions
Or think it is a valuable heritage building
Or any other reason you may have....
PLEASE ATTEND A PUBLIC CONSULTATION ARRANGED BY THE DIOCESE OF WORCESTER – We have fought for this. In 2002 St John’s was thought to be in dangerous condition and of no historic or architectural interest and was closed. Surveys in 2005 and 2008 have shown the building to be safe and it is also now Grade II listed proving it is of national architectural and historic importance.
BUT TO GET THE BUILDING RE-OPENED WE NEED YOU.
IF YOU COME ALONG TO PROVE THE PUBLIC SUPPORT WE CAN ARGUE FOR ST JOHN’S TO BE RE-OPENED AS A CHURCH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE
IF YOU DON’T IT COULD BE STILL BE DEMOLISHED OR SOLD OFF FOR UNSUITABLE DEVELOPMENT
Grade II Listing does NOT protect against demolition it just means there’s a bit more paperwork before they can do it. St John’s is not saved yet!
Interpreters available for Urdu and Punjabi
Anyone from 16 years can complete the survey
PLEASE COME TO THE PARISH HALL St John’s Road, Kates Hill, DY2 7JT
SATURDAY 9TH JULY
ANYTIME BETWEEN 2PM AND 5PM
TO FILL IN A SHORT QUESTIONNAIRE
PLEASE DISPLAY THIS LEAFLET AS A POSTER IN YOUR WINDOW OR CAR AND TELL AS MANY OTHER PEOPLE AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN
Ask for a copy by email to send on to others or to print off
savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk
IT WILL TAKE 10 MINUTES. AT LEAST 500 PEOPLE NEEDED FROM THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
PLUS Fun day and free food 2-5pm at our drop in opposite the Parish Hall,
do your survey in the Parish Hall then come over the road and have fun.
Free raffle for a bottle of whisky. Tours of the graveyard – meet the Tipton Slasher!
Bring friends and family. If you can’t come, send a friend to do it for you.
www.savestjohnschurch.zoomshare.com
0787 119 5042 also FACEBOOK and TWITTER
Twitter StJohnsPG
From: St John's Church Preservation Group <savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk>Add to Contacts
To: St John's Church Preservation Group <savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk>
Well here we are at last. Our big chance to show The Diocese and the Church Commissioners the public support for re-opening St John's. As usual but even more importantly than ever before please pass this email on to anyone else interested and print it off for your non email friends.
We have until Saturday afternoon 9th July between 2 and 5pm to drum up at least 500 people to get to the Parish Hall to complete a survey form arranged by the Diocese of Worcester. This form will be used to assess public support for re-opening St John's Church, and what it might be used for, which includes the possibility of re-opening it as a place of worship. You can't have the form in advance, or by post, or by email, or afterwards - the intention is to judge us on how many people we can turn out to attend in person and complete the form on the day.
Further information reproduced below and on attachment.
Please assist us in every way you can.
Please pass this message to all your contacts and print off copies of the attached to display as posters in shops, your houses, cars, offices, pubs and clubs, and to give to people.
It is essential that we get a good turnout.
Participants do not need to live in the parish area to complete the questionnaire or have any intention of worshipping at St John's. They may be interested in St John's as a heritage building and potential community centre and perhaps support future fundraising events there. St John's is a symbol for the whole Black Country not just Dudley.
We have organised a fun day to run alongside the Parish Hall consultation period 2-5pm. There will be musicians, a town crier, stalls, jumble sale, free food, free facepainting, and a free raffle for a bottle of whisky for everyone who comes out of the Parish Hall.
If you know anyone who can do any sort of street entertainment, a clown for instance, or unicycle rider, accordion player, any other musicians or dancers please get in touch straightaway.
CARL CHINN
St John's Church Preservation Group patron Carl Chinn gave out two impassioned appeals for attendance on his BBC Radio WM show last Sunday - you might like to listen - this link will be live until Sunday morning only - go in at 1) 0.08.28 and the second mention 2) is at 0.14.44.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00hp6kv
MARK CRUMP
One of our supporter singer/songerwriter Mark Crump has very quickly rewritten and performed the Police Song 'Message in a Bottle' to be an SOS to Save St John's. Listen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LvcAopN ... e=youtu.be
He's done a great job and will also be performing for us on Saturday between 2pm and 5pm so you can listen to him live then as well
ESSENTIAL ONLINE SURVEY TO COMPLETE AS WELL
In addition to coming along on Saturday, PLEASE complete the online survey, which is part two of the feasibilty study (Parish Hall is part 1) and provides ESSENTIAL information for the future business plan. Please pass the link to all your friends, colleagues and family as well. It takes about 10 minutes to complete and we need at least 2000 responses.
http://surveys.omni-web.co.uk/oakhamstjohns
There will also be a bank of 6 laptop computers available in our drop in information centre on Saturday, with John Poole of Oakham Research, the designer of the online survey, in charge so the survey can also be completed online while you are with us.
URGENT REQUISITIONS LIST FOR SATURDAY IF YOU CAN HELP
We need the loan of:
Folding Tables - any sizes will be useful
Mobile Internet Dongles with data free
We need:
Donations of food (sandwiches, cakes, crips, biscuits), tea, coffee, sugar, long life milk, squash
We need:
Volunteer car park marshalls
Volunteer tour guides (crib sheet provided)
People with cars on standby if we get asked for lifts
Leaflet deliverers - needed NOW we have 2 days left. Go straight to the drop in, collect some leaflets and put your name by the side of the street(s) you can deliver. The telephone number at the drop in is 0752 218 4461 and it's open 9.30-4.30pm. To get at the leaflets outside of these hours ring Tony on 0754 476 4261 or Deb 0787 119 5042.
We also need Urdu and Punjabi interpreters (we have some but need more) and please tell all your friends from other faiths and cultures that this consultation INCLUDES THEM and we actively appeal to them to participate.
FRIENDS OF THE THE ARCHIVES TALK 'ST JOHN'S CHURCH'
Deb Brownlee Chair of St John's Church Preservation Group and Chris Smith, historian, author, editor of Village Voice, author of Tales From a Churchyard, St John's, Kates Hill, Dudley will be giving at a talk at Dudley Archive this Thursday 7th July evening at 7.30pm.
More info here, guests are welcome
http://www.communigate.co.uk/bc/fdalhs/
DUDLEY MARKET
Our tombola stall will run as usual this Saturday but will close at 4pm to give the market volunteers chance to get to the Parish Hall to vote.
Plaza Mall stall will NOT be open as Marie will be performing with the New Johnians up near the Parish Hall.
We need more helpers for the Plaza Mall stall.
QUALITY PRINT
A mention must be given to Tom Kiely of Quality Print, by Greggs on Pensnett Trading Estate. They have printed several thousand leaflets for us at very short notice, using good quality paper and at a very reasonable price.
We can't recommend them highly enough, contact details
Second Avenue, West Midlands, Kingswinford DY6 7UW
01384 280115
qpp@onebillnet.co.uk
THANK YOU TO ALL
Who are helping us put this day together, it has to be said it is a time for finding out some friends we didn't know we had as we appeal for help at such short notice and we are being amazed at the incredible input by people some of whom we didn't even know cared so much. THANK YOU TO ALL.
"Working Together To Save St John's Church"
St John's Church Preservation Group
St John's Church Preservation Group Drop In Information Centre, The Old School House,
St John's Road, Kates Hill, Dudley, DY2 7JT
www.savestjohnschurch.zoomshare.com
facebook Save St John's Church, Kates Hill, Dudley and
StJohnschurch PreservationGroup
IT’S NOW OR NEVER
TO SAVE ST JOHN’S CHURCH
THERE WILL BE NO SECOND CHANCE
Contact us if you need help with transport to get to the hall
Whether you wish to worship at St Johns
Or want it to be a community centre
Want to use it for family occasions
Or think it is a valuable heritage building
Or any other reason you may have....
PLEASE ATTEND A PUBLIC CONSULTATION ARRANGED BY THE DIOCESE OF WORCESTER – We have fought for this. In 2002 St John’s was thought to be in dangerous condition and of no historic or architectural interest and was closed. Surveys in 2005 and 2008 have shown the building to be safe and it is also now Grade II listed proving it is of national architectural and historic importance.
BUT TO GET THE BUILDING RE-OPENED WE NEED YOU.
IF YOU COME ALONG TO PROVE THE PUBLIC SUPPORT WE CAN ARGUE FOR ST JOHN’S TO BE RE-OPENED AS A CHURCH AND COMMUNITY CENTRE
IF YOU DON’T IT COULD BE STILL BE DEMOLISHED OR SOLD OFF FOR UNSUITABLE DEVELOPMENT
Grade II Listing does NOT protect against demolition it just means there’s a bit more paperwork before they can do it. St John’s is not saved yet!
Interpreters available for Urdu and Punjabi
Anyone from 16 years can complete the survey
PLEASE COME TO THE PARISH HALL St John’s Road, Kates Hill, DY2 7JT
SATURDAY 9TH JULY
ANYTIME BETWEEN 2PM AND 5PM
TO FILL IN A SHORT QUESTIONNAIRE
PLEASE DISPLAY THIS LEAFLET AS A POSTER IN YOUR WINDOW OR CAR AND TELL AS MANY OTHER PEOPLE AS YOU POSSIBLY CAN
Ask for a copy by email to send on to others or to print off
savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk
IT WILL TAKE 10 MINUTES. AT LEAST 500 PEOPLE NEEDED FROM THE WHOLE COMMUNITY.
PLUS Fun day and free food 2-5pm at our drop in opposite the Parish Hall,
do your survey in the Parish Hall then come over the road and have fun.
Free raffle for a bottle of whisky. Tours of the graveyard – meet the Tipton Slasher!
Bring friends and family. If you can’t come, send a friend to do it for you.
www.savestjohnschurch.zoomshare.com
0787 119 5042 also FACEBOOK and TWITTER
Twitter StJohnsPG
There's no place like home ......
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Re: St Johns Church Preservation Group
Latest Update :
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ST JOHN'S CHURCH ..... which was 171 years old on 27th July. Opened on 27th July 1840. Closed in November 2002. There was a great deal of interest in this on our facebook page with large numbers of Happy Birthday wishes and some fabulous encouraging messages.
If you haven't yet joined us on facebook please do as this is where daily updates and snippets are posted.
ONLINE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION SURVEY
Can we remind people that the Parish Hall consultation was only part 1 of the overall feasibility study regarding the 'Future For St John's Church' the next three parts are now underway.
We need 2000 completions of the more detailed online community consultation. We have commissioned Oakham Research of Dudley to carry out this work. We don't see the individual answers but do receive a weekly update of 'how things are going so far'.
The survey takes about 10 minutes to do, it's very easy to follow and as an incentive we have offered the chance to win a family ticket to the Black Country Museum and a further cash prize of £20.
The information from this survey will help create the business plan we need to present to the Church Commissioners and we need as many local people as possible who would USE the building - for religious, community, social or commercial purposes.
http://surveys.omni-web.co.uk/oakhamstjohns
As at last Friday's report there had been 103 completions so obviously we have a long way to go on this so PLEASE find 10 minutes to do the survey and remember also that completions with name and address details carry more validity than anonymous completions. We know it takes another couple of minutes to type that in but it does make a big difference to the survey results and also gives you chance to win the incentives on offer.
So please, DO IT NOW and if you know people who don't have a computer let them share yours, or they can dictate their responses to you even over the telephone.
Hope to report better figures in the next update!
NAIL BITING TIME RE DRAINS RESTORATION AND RESTORATION OF LYCHGATE
We are still awaiting a reply to say whether we can carry out these works. The works were agreed in principle at the meeting of the St John's Church Steering Group held on 15th June chaired by the Archdeacon of Dudley The Ven Fred Trethewey. The local St John's Church Parochial Church Council were to discuss the matter further at their meeting on 21st July.
We are hoping to arrange an event for 11-11-11 based around restoration of the lychgate. The conservation architect appointed, Steve Sedwell, has now recommended a contractor and the cost is around £20,000. The works have been agreed by English Heritage.
The cost of restoring drainage to the building is around £5000. Carpvale of Wombourne will be engaged to carry out the work which has also been approved by English Heritage.
Permission is already in place for the high level waterproofing works value around £16000 including replacing the few loose tiles needed to repair the main roof and the guttering and downpipes, but the drains have to be done first - otherwise the new guttering could send water straight into the foundations of the building.
TIPTON SLASHER BONES
There has been a great deal of press recently regarding the Tipton Slasher bones - has he been stolen from St John's and is he now under the statue in Tipton?
We have arranged some tours of the grounds with author of Tales From A Churchyard, St John's, Kates Hill, Dudley the historian Chris Smith. He has looked at the evidence and will impart his thoughts on the tours.
There are so many incredible stories to be told at St John's that we have to divide them into different tours. The first two have been developed and dates set.
We need advance bookings due to restricted numbers. All proceeds to St John's Church Preservation Group funds and our grateful thanks to Chris Smith who is giving his time freely. Tales From A Churchyard will be on sale after each tour and you can ask the author to sign the book for yourself or as a gift.
TOUR 1 (INCLUDES TIPTON SLASHER GRAVE)
Sunday 7.8.11 3-4pm followed by tea and biccies cost £3
Friday 12.8.11 11pm followed by Midnight Supper cost £10
Wednesday 17.8.11 7-8pm followed by tea and biccies cost £3
TOUR 2 (WILL INCLUDE A BRIEF CALL TO THE TIPTON SLASHER GRAVE)
Wednesday 14.9.11 7-8pm followed by tea and biccies cost £3
Sunday 18.9.11 3-4pm followed by tea and biccies cost £3
Friday 23.9.11 11pm followed by midnight supper cost £10
Bring brollies if raining and good strong walking shoes with non slip soles needed. Bring a torch for the night time tour.
Book by email savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk
WHEELBARROWS NEEDED
The grounds volunteers are in urgent need of more wheelbarrows - if you have one you no longer use that you could donate please get in touch or bring it to the drop in. It doesn't matter about condition as long as it still works.
Helpers always needed for the grounds - and also for the School House car park which needs weeding and sweeping on regular basis and is part of the historic and unique remaining complex of William Bourne church (1840) and adjacent William Bourne church school (1846).
POTENTIAL USER SURVEY
Is also underway. If you would be in a position to hire space in the re-opened St John's whether on an occasional or regular basis please complete the 'Potential User Survey' below or get in touch with John Poole at Oakham Research on 01384 353910 or john.poole@oakhamresearch. The link is also available from his website www.oakhamresearch.com
http://www.oakhamresearch.com/St%20John ... urvey.html
The link gives online or paper options. John Poole will also be completing the survey by telephone calls and personal visits should you prefer.
We are aiming to find 100 potential users and this is an essential part of proving the future financial sustainability of the building.
"Working Together To Save St John's Church"
St John's Church Preservation Group
www.savestjohnschurch.zoomshare.com
facebook Save St John's Church, Kates Hill, Dudley and
StJohnschurch PreservationGroup
The Old School House
St John's Road
Kates Hill
Dudley
DY2 7JT
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ST JOHN'S CHURCH ..... which was 171 years old on 27th July. Opened on 27th July 1840. Closed in November 2002. There was a great deal of interest in this on our facebook page with large numbers of Happy Birthday wishes and some fabulous encouraging messages.
If you haven't yet joined us on facebook please do as this is where daily updates and snippets are posted.
ONLINE COMMUNITY CONSULTATION SURVEY
Can we remind people that the Parish Hall consultation was only part 1 of the overall feasibility study regarding the 'Future For St John's Church' the next three parts are now underway.
We need 2000 completions of the more detailed online community consultation. We have commissioned Oakham Research of Dudley to carry out this work. We don't see the individual answers but do receive a weekly update of 'how things are going so far'.
The survey takes about 10 minutes to do, it's very easy to follow and as an incentive we have offered the chance to win a family ticket to the Black Country Museum and a further cash prize of £20.
The information from this survey will help create the business plan we need to present to the Church Commissioners and we need as many local people as possible who would USE the building - for religious, community, social or commercial purposes.
http://surveys.omni-web.co.uk/oakhamstjohns
As at last Friday's report there had been 103 completions so obviously we have a long way to go on this so PLEASE find 10 minutes to do the survey and remember also that completions with name and address details carry more validity than anonymous completions. We know it takes another couple of minutes to type that in but it does make a big difference to the survey results and also gives you chance to win the incentives on offer.
So please, DO IT NOW and if you know people who don't have a computer let them share yours, or they can dictate their responses to you even over the telephone.
Hope to report better figures in the next update!
NAIL BITING TIME RE DRAINS RESTORATION AND RESTORATION OF LYCHGATE
We are still awaiting a reply to say whether we can carry out these works. The works were agreed in principle at the meeting of the St John's Church Steering Group held on 15th June chaired by the Archdeacon of Dudley The Ven Fred Trethewey. The local St John's Church Parochial Church Council were to discuss the matter further at their meeting on 21st July.
We are hoping to arrange an event for 11-11-11 based around restoration of the lychgate. The conservation architect appointed, Steve Sedwell, has now recommended a contractor and the cost is around £20,000. The works have been agreed by English Heritage.
The cost of restoring drainage to the building is around £5000. Carpvale of Wombourne will be engaged to carry out the work which has also been approved by English Heritage.
Permission is already in place for the high level waterproofing works value around £16000 including replacing the few loose tiles needed to repair the main roof and the guttering and downpipes, but the drains have to be done first - otherwise the new guttering could send water straight into the foundations of the building.
TIPTON SLASHER BONES
There has been a great deal of press recently regarding the Tipton Slasher bones - has he been stolen from St John's and is he now under the statue in Tipton?
We have arranged some tours of the grounds with author of Tales From A Churchyard, St John's, Kates Hill, Dudley the historian Chris Smith. He has looked at the evidence and will impart his thoughts on the tours.
There are so many incredible stories to be told at St John's that we have to divide them into different tours. The first two have been developed and dates set.
We need advance bookings due to restricted numbers. All proceeds to St John's Church Preservation Group funds and our grateful thanks to Chris Smith who is giving his time freely. Tales From A Churchyard will be on sale after each tour and you can ask the author to sign the book for yourself or as a gift.
TOUR 1 (INCLUDES TIPTON SLASHER GRAVE)
Sunday 7.8.11 3-4pm followed by tea and biccies cost £3
Friday 12.8.11 11pm followed by Midnight Supper cost £10
Wednesday 17.8.11 7-8pm followed by tea and biccies cost £3
TOUR 2 (WILL INCLUDE A BRIEF CALL TO THE TIPTON SLASHER GRAVE)
Wednesday 14.9.11 7-8pm followed by tea and biccies cost £3
Sunday 18.9.11 3-4pm followed by tea and biccies cost £3
Friday 23.9.11 11pm followed by midnight supper cost £10
Bring brollies if raining and good strong walking shoes with non slip soles needed. Bring a torch for the night time tour.
Book by email savestjohnschurch@hotmail.co.uk
WHEELBARROWS NEEDED
The grounds volunteers are in urgent need of more wheelbarrows - if you have one you no longer use that you could donate please get in touch or bring it to the drop in. It doesn't matter about condition as long as it still works.
Helpers always needed for the grounds - and also for the School House car park which needs weeding and sweeping on regular basis and is part of the historic and unique remaining complex of William Bourne church (1840) and adjacent William Bourne church school (1846).
POTENTIAL USER SURVEY
Is also underway. If you would be in a position to hire space in the re-opened St John's whether on an occasional or regular basis please complete the 'Potential User Survey' below or get in touch with John Poole at Oakham Research on 01384 353910 or john.poole@oakhamresearch. The link is also available from his website www.oakhamresearch.com
http://www.oakhamresearch.com/St%20John ... urvey.html
The link gives online or paper options. John Poole will also be completing the survey by telephone calls and personal visits should you prefer.
We are aiming to find 100 potential users and this is an essential part of proving the future financial sustainability of the building.
"Working Together To Save St John's Church"
St John's Church Preservation Group
www.savestjohnschurch.zoomshare.com
facebook Save St John's Church, Kates Hill, Dudley and
StJohnschurch PreservationGroup
The Old School House
St John's Road
Kates Hill
Dudley
DY2 7JT
There's no place like home ......