The Ramp Project
As a first step to demonstrate our commitment to create a warm and inclusive welcome to our church we decided, as part of our 150th Anniversary celebrations in 2022, to put in a permanent, attractive and safe ramp at the South Door, to help all those who would find this easier than the steps and to replace the existing temporary ramp - images below.
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The Friends of St Mary Abbots, a separate charity which has in the past raised funds for some wonderful projects to enhance the church building made a collection for this project at the start of 2022, matching every £1 for every £1 donated, thereby doubling any gifts given.
Three Designs
Three designs were shown to the congregation on the church notice boards. The first had a curved ramp along one wall, the second an electric lift within the steps and a third would gently increase the gradient to the level of the door, removing the steps. People were asked to vote for their preferred option.
The first design with a short, curved ramp, proved to be the most popular.
Any work undertaken in a church requires a large amount of paperwork and permission has to be sought from various bodies in order for the work to go ahead.
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Preparations for our ramp took another step forward as a structural engineer, with archaeologist overseeing, dug a trial pit in the cloister to investigate the area where the ramp foundations will be.
Final Designs (Roger Mears Architects)
The designs were discussed and amended until a final design was agreed upon in Spring 2023 as can be seen below:
Entrance will be via a ramp to the right and steps to the left.
Entrance will be via a ramp to the right and steps to the left.
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The South Doors currently open outwards but not all the way. The doors will be rehung to open inwards, to allow easier access at the top of the ramp. The doors are heavy so a push pad will be added to open them electronically.
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An access ramp to the Holland chapel, where we hold exhibitions and serves as a bar area during events, will be created. This will also create a dedicated area for wheel chairs close to the front of the church.
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Decorative Panels based on Sir George Gilbert Scott's designs from our Altar, as well as the Albert Memorial and others will to be added to the ramp railings.
The Friends of St Mary Abbots fundraising presentation
Following an extensive financial appeal and fund raising campaign, The Friends of St Mary Abbots have, with the help of many parishioners, local businesses and Friends, raised their £50,000 target to build the access ramp in York stone to match the existing Cloister floor. The £50,000 cheque was presented to Mother Emma and members of the PCC on 25th June 2023.
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Work on the wooden ramp to the Holland chapel was completed in September 2023 just in time for the Bishop of London to bless it at our Patronal Festival and the last of our 150th Anniversary Celebrations.
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The Bishop also blessed the excavation at the South Door.
The following week the ramp foundations took shape. |
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Further Fundraising
While the Friends' extremely generous fundraising covers the cost of the ramp itself we are continuing to raise funds for the additional work of rehanging the doors and providing the new wheelchair area . Any contributions would be gratefully received.
Please contact the Petter, Parish Manager HERE to see how you can help towards the project or you can use this QR Code.
Please contact the Petter, Parish Manager HERE to see how you can help towards the project or you can use this QR Code.
