600+ October 2026 update
Our 600+ project to celebrate the anniversary of St Luke’s church in 2030 is gathering momentum with the aim of ensuring the church building is suitable for use by present and future generations in the 21st century. The project aims to address the limitations and problems of the current building whilst conserving its heritage, and helping more people discover and appreciate its history and value.
St Luke’s present churchgoers have been consulted through a survey questionnaire seeking their views and ideas of what changes may be needed. The survey formally closed at the end of August with 89 responses.
The results have been analysed and a summary of the initial findings is posted on the porch noticeboard in church. The responses showed strong support to move to the next stage of project development.
Safety, accessibility and basic facilities were identified as the clearest priorities for improvement. There was also demand for a broader programme of concerts, community events, heritage activity, social gatherings, school engagement and provision for different age groups.
On 12th September the consultation was extended to the wider village community with a new Community Questionnaire (due for reply by 30th September). After a short presentation by our vicar Rob McLaren and a Q&A session for invited representatives of local organisations, the church was open for other visitors to appreciate its heritage features through a helpful self-guide leaflet, and with some striking images on display of how the church might have looked across the centuries.
Several 600+ project team members were on hand to assist and answer questions , and around 100 visitors attended the open session.
The church will be open again to everyone on Saturday 17th October between 11am and 1pm when the overall results of the churchgoer and wider community surveys will be reported, revised plans and drawings of the potential 600+ project proposals will be on display, and the winner of the questionnaire prize will be drawn!