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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Wednesday, 7 July 2021. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
THE potential of our parish churches for mission and outreach is huge.
In the latest in our On the Money series, the Door looks at how our DAC team helps them to fulfil that potential. by Liz KitchHave you ever thought about how your church building helps, or perhaps hinders, mission? Does the space, light, history, and architecture bring people in only for the lack of toilet to send them straight out of the door after a service?Maybe you hope to do work with the local school on activities for children within the church but there is no clear floor space? Or no running water with which to offer coffees after services?Your church building is a key which, if used fully, can unlock limitless opportunities for outreach within the community, spreading the love of God, but perhaps also adding to PCC funds through its use as a venue which attracts people. The Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC) team are here to help on all matters of church building use and care.
Every diocese must legally have a DAC.
The statutory function of the DAC is to advise the Chancellor of the diocese on all faculty applications made by parishes when they want to carry out works to their church building or churchyard, or introduce or dispose of items.
Faculty jurisdiction exists to ensure that churches are properly cared for and that work is properly considered and carried out in the most appropriate way. The wider committee meets 11 times a year and considers around 700 cases annually.
It is made up of volunteers with a wealth of experience and knowledge across a number of specialisms.
The DAC team operate not only as the secretariat for the committee, but also offer assistance to parishes in developing proposals.
It is estimated that the team provides £2million worth of advice to parishes each year. From the initial submission of an application, or phone call to the office, your DAC case officer will be able to offer help and support, whether in filling in the application forms, reviewing draft applications, or attending site to give advice on a larger project.
If you need to carry out any repair works to the church, need advice on building maintenance, or have a bigger project in mind please do get in touch with the DAC team.
The Diocesan Advisory Committee team:
Liz Kitch - Senior Church Buildings OfficerLiz joined the team in July 2016, taking over from Natalie Merry.
Liz leads the team, reviews major casework applications, and runs other pieces of work to improve the support of both church buildings and those who look after them.
Liz works full time.
liz. kitch@oxford. anglican. orgSophie Hammond - Assistant Church Buildings OfficerSophie is an experienced case officer and has worked with the parishes of the diocese for seven years.
Sophie has a keen interest in memorials within churches and is the case officer for the 10 northernmost deaneries.
Sophie works part time.
sophie. hammond@oxford. anglican. orgHannah Robertson - Assistant Church Buildings OfficerHannah has previously spent time working as an Architectural Technician and joined the diocese last year as a full time case officer.
Hannah covers the 19 southernmost deaneries.
hannah. robertson@oxford. anglican. orgChristine Fenn - Historic Churches Support OfficerChristine's role is part funded by Historic England.
Whilst Christine supports the DAC team with case review her time is predominantly spent providing early stage advice and support to parishes looking to install new facilities within their church.
Christine works full time.
christine. fenn@oxford. anglican. org
Sculptures spark interest in church history
Sir Robert Dormer, a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas and his wife Mary, mourning over the corpse of their son Fleetwood.
Photos: David Leeming
A �100,000 project to conserve two marble monuments at Holy Cross and St Mary in Quainton, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, has now been completed. The 17th/18th century monuments are to the Dormer family, who were influential politically, and of national importance.
This is a key part of Quainton's programme to open the church to the wider community and to encourage a greater interest in its historic roots.
The sculptures are now back in the church and have been blessed by the Bishop of Buckingham, the Rt Revd Alan Wilson. The guidance of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, Professor Brian Kemp; Diocesan Monuments Adviser, and the Church Buildings Council was sought, and a faculty was needed from the Chancellor of the diocese before the work could go ahead.
A fundraising committee in Quainton raised �27,000 through events such as a sponsored climbing of the church tower and an annual beer festival.
More funds were raised from various trusts including the Lottery Heritage Fund. The guidance of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, Professor Brian Kemp; Diocesan Monuments Adviser, and the Church Buildings Council was sought, and a faculty was needed from the Chancellor of the diocese before the work could go ahead.
A fundraising committee in Quainton raised �27,000 through events such as a sponsored climbing of the church tower and an annual beer festival.
More funds were raised from various trusts including the Lottery Heritage Fund. Quainton CE Primary School's Year Six pupils visited to draw the monuments and help to clean them.
The school and Quainton Scouts are researching the Dormers and helping to build up a picture of life in Quainton in the 17/18th centuries.
They have also prepared a time capsule to be placed in the base of the Robert Dormer monument.
The church is normally open during the day and special visits and guided tours can be arranged through the churchwarden, David Campbell, on 01296 655 243. Quainton CE Primary School's Year Six pupils visited to draw the monuments and help to clean them.
The school and Quainton Scouts are researching the Dormers and helping to build up a picture of life in Quainton in the 17/18th centuries.
They have also prepared a time capsule to be placed in the base of the Robert Dormer monument.
The church is normally open during the day and special visits and guided tours can be arranged through the churchwarden, David Campbell, on 01296 655 243.
St Mary the Virgin in Oxford (the University church), looking west, from the transforming dais (where the middle piece slots out to receive a concert grand piano) toward the recent church office facility under the gallery.
DAC Team
St John the Evangelist in Stoke Row where a refurbished hall is now used for PE lessons for children from the nearby St John the Evangelist CE School.
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