The Church of St. Peter-Ad-Vincula in Roydon and the Coltes of Nether Hall
The need for a new Colte Chapel
After the changes implemented under the Rev’d Christopher Wansey, with the church facing north to the new altar, the old sanctuary was not used except on rare occasions, and it appeared to be surplus to requirements.
But by 1998 activities in the church had grown, creating a demand for more space, in particular for groups for young people. This led to suggestions for a glass screen to be erected to separate the Colte Chapel both thermally and acoustically from the main church, to enable the chapel to be brought back into regular use. A building committee of the PCC then approached six specialist architects, looking for an imaginative treatment which would do justice to the church building.
The design which was preferred, and implemented, incorporates 15mm thick toughened plate glass panels located by two steel beams, which are invisible from the main body of the church.
Sliding panels at the lower level of the ancient timber screen allow the chapel to be opened to the main church or to be sealed from it. An independent heating system allows the chapel to be used economically without switching on the main church heating. A hinged ramp provides for wheelchair access, and can be raised to create maximum floor space. The walls have been restored and cleared of all unsightly pipes and radiators, and the main floor area outside the sanctuary is now carpeted.
Once the necessary permissions were obtained in August 2001 to do the work, the emphasis moved to fund raising. The appeal for funds was formally launched on Friday 10th May 2002. The target was quickly reached. Grants were given by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Essex Environment Trust and the Garfield Weston Trust. Together with funds donated by private individuals the sum of £71,000 was pledged within six months to allow orders to be placed for the work to begin. The names of all donors are recorded in the chapel.
The Colte Chapel, which had been the centre of worship for many centuries, therefore now provides a unique, refurbished and comfortable environment within St. Peter’s, to further the mission and work of the Church. It offers a space for young lively children and their parents, during services taking place in the main body of the Church. It is also a warm welcoming place for smaller services, and a meeting and worship area for many different groups.