A fond farewell to St Andrew's Church

A CHURCH stepped in history was bid a fond farewell, as the congregation prepared for its demolition.

The final services were held at St Andrew's Church, in Furnace Green, on Sunday, before work is started to get rid of the old and build the new.

Church members have been saving up for four years to fund the new centre, which will boast a 350 seat auditorium, a cafe, youth venue, counselling rooms and a chapel.

It is expected to be fully completed in summer 2010.

The work is having to be carried out after the building suffered from water damage and is now beyond repair.

However, vicar Richard Poole said the farewell was a happy occasion.

He said: "We had a very nice day. The old church has served us well, but everyone is excited about the new project."

Work is scheduled to start at the end of July, and the occasion was marked with several momentous activities.

One of the original church members, Rob Warren, who had been responsible for maintaining the building over the last 40 years, marked the occasion by knocking out a token brick from the wall to signify the start of the demolition.

Vicar Richard Poole said: "We want the new church to be at the hub of the community for everyone to use.

"The final services were very nice and well attended. Everyone said goodbye and shared their memories."