Welcome To Our New Space

Tim Parkman & Rachel Haig

It was lovely to be invited to view the new hugely improved community space at Horfield Baptist Church. I had a guided tour by ministers Rachel Haig and Tim Parkman. Both were delighted with the transformation that has taken place on the completion of Phase 1 of the ‘Creating Space For All’ project.

The day before I visited had been the first service where the renovations had been revealed to the congregation. On the Sunday there had been a buzz of excitement between both the young and old. The kids enjoyed running around the large space and piling onto the new sofas. The older generation were overjoyed to witness the work done that had been in the planning for the past twenty years. To see some of it completed restored hope and generated a new burst of energy to keep up the fundraising to ensure further development.

I personally felt the creation of a wonderful cafe area with clear views overlooking the busy Gloucester Road reinforced the links to the outside community. The bright and peaceful area was certainly a space I would be happy to spend time in. Currently this cafe area is open at 11am Monday to Thursday and all are welcome, so feel free to pop in for a cuppa and chat. The installation of an impressive new kitchen that links to the cafe area means there is huge potential for the future.

The whole place felt like it had been cleaned and brightened and the laying of new carpets bought warmth. Floors have been flattened and levelled and all the many rooms flow into each other. There are good internet and electrical connections in each area. A new buggy park is sure to make life easier for all. Now improvements have been made to the rooms both upstairs and down, the church is keen to get a full programme of events up and running so it will be an excellent facility for the surrounding community. New groups that are forming or existing gatherings that are looking for a new home are all encouraged to get in touch with Horfield Baptist on the contact details below.

The North Bristol Arts Trail successfully used the venue to exhibit children’s art from local schools, and also the moving artwork of Lighting UP.

Rachel and Tim are pictured above in front of the new glass doors that effectively link the church with the adjoining building. I felt this was a lovely idea and really changed the feel of the space. I was interested to know what were the ministers favourite bit, Rachel told me “I have worked in Bishopston since 1997 and ever since my arrival these improvements have been planned. It is great to see the project through to the first phase being completed. There is a great sense of achievement and a feeling of having been a part of something important that will last for years to come.” Tim told me, “What I love is the rooms being far more welcoming. There is the possibility for the community to use the building all week around.” Serving the community is at the heart of the Christian Message.

Both Rachel and Tim would like to say a huge thank you to the many people that have worked and continue to work so hard to make this project possible. There is still fundraising going on to enable the start of Phase 2 of ‘Creating Space For All’. For details of the proposed development plans or information on how you can get involved with raising or contributing some money please visit their website or call 0117 924 3608
Horfield Baptist Church, 279 Gloucester Road