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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Wednesday, 3 April 2019. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
THE grand re-opening of St Mary Magdalene's Church in Woodstock following a £500,000 upgrade took place last month. The 1,000-year-old building has new lighting, heating, electrics and toilets.
A new servery with a sink, dishwasher and fridge has also been installed.
Removing the pews means the church is now the biggest indoor space in the historic town centre. The project began in 2012 when the PCC received two legacies from former worshippers.
It was inspired by an away-day looking at the future vision and mission of the church.
The world-famous Blenheim Palace and the Duke of Marlborough made significant donations, and individuals have given generously in the church and community.
A variety of grants and community fund-raising events also helped pay for the work. The last Sunday service was held on 14 May before the builders, lighting engineers and other tradespeople set to work to transform the building. The Bishop of Dorchester, the Rt Revd Colin Fletcher OBE, led a service of rededication in November.
The Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Tim Stevenson OBE, MP Robert Courts, and many distinguished guests were at the event.
A priest from our Swedish partner diocese, Vaxjo, also attended.
The clerk of works reading the lesson and others from the building and architects' teams were involved. The Revd Canon Adrian Daffern, Team Rector of the Blenheim Benefice, said: "The building is going to be much more flexible.
It will be at the centre of the local community.
The pews have gone and we have beautiful new chairs made of local wood.
Changes to the porch mean that access is now easy for people using wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
We are already getting lots of requests for use.
St Mary Magdalene's will be a centre for the community for the 21st century and beyond."