This is a text-only version of an article first published on Monday, 18 March 2013. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
Declaring the loo and kitchen officially open is the Revd Angela Mann.
LEGEND suggests that William Shakespeare modelled the two constables in A Midsummer Night's Dream on the occasion when he was caught short in Grendon Underwood church porch, after a merry evening in the Ship Inn. Hence, the parishioners have been waiting for at least 400 years for this event.
Although no-one can remember that far back, older villagers do recall that the project was discussed more than 40 years ago.
Last month more than60 villagers gathered in St Leonard's to celebrate the installation of a kitchen and toilet beneath the church tower and a vehicle turning area within the churchyard. Visitors inspected historical photographs and documents relating to previous projects.
These included a copy of a Bucks Herald from 1868 which described rather more lavish celebrations, when the church re-opened after major refurbishments. The visitors got the chance to climb the church tower on a clear sunny afternoon to view the surrounding countryside. Church members served the visitors with tea, homemade cakes and wine.
The highlight of the afternoon was the dedication of the new facilities by the Revd.
David Hiscock, Team Rector and the Revd.
Angela Mann, Team Vicar of The Claydon and Swan Group of churches.