For many years, the outdated and dull lighting at St Lawrence’s Church in Bradwell has been in desperate need of updating.
St Lawrence’s is one of a number of churches across the country that have experienced lead theft in the past few years. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to make things better, the church used it as a chance to fundraise to improve the lighting inside the building at the same time as replacing the roof.
With support from the DAC, a grant from the Buckinghamshire Historic Churches Trust, and generous fundraising by the congregation, the church carried out repairs to the roof and a full upgrade to the lighting inside the building. Completed in May, the update and removal of old brass fittings with new LED and wireless lighting control technologies will enable the space in the church to be used more flexibly and for more events.
Fabric Officer Peter Lazard shares the difference the lighting has made:
“It’s easy to think that lighting is a small issue in a church, but in an old church building like ours the upgrade has made a big difference to the feel and brightness of the space. We are now able to use the lighting to set the scene for different services and host events in the church that we wouldn’t have been able to do before.
“Our livestreaming of services online is now of a much higher quality, and the older members of the congregation can read their hymn books more easily now! Overall, the church is much more inviting.
“We won’t need to change the light bulbs anywhere near as often, which is cost saving along with the positive environmental impact of LED technology.”
In addition to support from the congregation, the church also received support from Bradwell ward councillor, Robin Bradburn. During the 30 days public notice was required as part of the faculty application process, Robin spotted the notice and thought the council might be able to help. Recognising the important role of the church in the community, the Bradwell Parish Council gifted the church £500 towards to the cost of the refit.
St Lawrence’s plans to open for the Heritage Open Day in September, with the opportunity to showcase the lighting, and will celebrate the 800th anniversary of the building next year.
The Church Buildings Team is available to offer advice and support when you need to carry out works to your church or churchyard. Find out more and get in touch.