Storage
Using the space
We know that All Saints’ often looks cluttered and
untidy. This is because the variety of ways in which
we use the building for worship and for community
activities generates materials and equipment for
which we have no storage space. We aim to clear
away all the clutter by providing as much storage as
possible, while still leaving the historic interior of the
building as unchanged as possible.
A diagram, not to scale showing how the space will
be used.
At the west end of the church under the large
window and also beneath the balcony we will have
tall cupboards capable of storing the chairs, the
tables and other bulky items. Beneath the balcony
there will also be a sink and storage area for flower
arrangers and for cleaning equipment.
In the north aisle there will be cupboards under the
windows, part of which will house the audiovisual
equipment.
At the entrance as a reception point we will have
some moveable storage cupboards and shelves to
provide information points for worshippers and
visitors.
All the storage will be specially commissioned to
provide a unified appearance and complement
existing furniture.
The organ
The organ needs to be
overhauled, but this will
be a project to be
undertaken after the
reordering is complete.
The north aisle altar
We hope to be allowed to remove this altar and its
plinth in order to provide more floor space.
Re- ordering All Saints’ Huntingdon
What are we hoping to achieve?
The Parochial Church Council is
committed to a programme of reordering
in All Saints’ designed to enhance our
worship and make the building more
suitable for community use in the 21st
century. Our principal aim is to create a
sense of space and quiet. We hope to
make the interior uncluttered, simple,
coherent and awesome. At the same time
we want to put the fabric and fittings into
good order so that no further work is
needed for a good many years.
We welcome your interest in the
reordering process and invite you to
leave any comments on the sheet
provided.
Our plans
The entrance
The relatively small size of All Saints’ means that all
the space is needed at times such as Christmas and
so we have to maintain flexibility in use of the space.
The plans described here have been sent to the
Diocese, English Heritage and other interested groups
for comment. No decisions have yet been made.
The gates of the outer porch
will be removed and replaced
with oak and glass doors. In
the porch the floor will be relaid with new tiles and be on a
slope to give easy access
without any steps. The
window openings will be
glazed. The inner porch will
be removed which will give
more space and look more
attractive. The inner doors
will also be of oak and glass.
We hope to be able to move
the font to the left hand side
of the door.
Walls, Ceilings and Windows
Throughout the building damaged plaster will be
replaced and the walls redecorated with lime wash.
The roof timbers will be cleaned and repainted and
the windows cleaned.
Electrical installations
All the electrical circuits will be replaced and the
lighting improved for general use. Additional lighting
will be provided to highlight features such as the
carved roof timbers and the chancel reredos.
Provision will be made for lighting for the worship
band and for a ‘stage’ area at the front of the nave.
Ducting will be provided for current and future
audiovisual needs.
Heating
We are considering installing under floor heating in
the nave. This would enable us to maintain a low level
of heat to provide stable conditions in the building.
The heating would be boosted, by the use of
radiators, for services and events. With this system
there would be fewer radiators allowing for more wall
cupboards.
Floors
The floor tiles of the chancel will be cleaned and
repaired.
If we install under floor heating the new nave floor
will be paved with limestone tiles. This will provide
the possibility of installing a labyrinth marked with
different coloured tiles, in the approximate position of
the current tape markings.
Labyrinths are designed to make us think about our
journey through life, and can be found in many
churches'.
In
We will commission purpose
built cupboards and shelving
to provide storage in the
reception area.
Toilets
The cupboards and other fittings in the base of the
tower will be removed but the stairs to the bell
chamber and outer door will be retained. Two unisex
toilets, one fitted for disabled use, will be installed.
The existing door will be modified to improve
access.
The Side Chapel
The side chapel will
remain as it is
providing a
dedicated quiet
place for prayer and
reflection. If we are
able to move the
font then in its new
position it will
provide an ‘end
point’ to the space.
The servery
We need to provide a servery area to enable us
to offer hospitality to visitors and meet our own
needs for social activities. We hope that this will
be in the west end of south aisle to the left of the
entrance, which is why we want to move the
font.
We plan a range of cupboards against the west
wall, which would provide a sink that could be
hidden when not in use and storage for water
heater, kettles, fridge and microwave and other
equipment. We would be able to make hot drinks
and reheat and serve pre-prepared food. In
addition there will be a cupboard with a serving
surface set at right angles to the servery counter.
This will be on wheels so that is can be moved
against a wall when we need to maximize the
seating area.