Well, it is all happening here in Lymington. The plans are approved, the congregation has had a chance to test the new chairs for comfort, and soon after Christmas the church will be closed for a few months while the exciting new developments take place. The Victorian benches (they are NOT pews, though mistakenly so called- they have no doors for a start) will be scrapped, the chapel in the South Aisle will become a very convenient storage area, the floor will be levelled and concreted, and then tastefully carpeted. Best of all, there will be a removable holy table instead of the present unwieldy High Altar, so that concerts and multi-media events can be staged. There will be a state-of-the-art sound and vision system. The Vicar, very wisely, has chosen next year, including Easter, for his Sabbatical. It will be for the newly priested Curate and such retired priests as are available to keep worship going. I fear this will not include me, thanks to a prior engagement with the Bishop of Rome. Naturally the daily celebrations, already reduced to five, will be further curtailed. Whatever Sunday Services continue will take place in the Church Hall.
To give all this a kick start, and raise the funding, there are events planned for this autumn. These include (see the poster at the top of this page, currently on view outside St Thomas') the Vicar abseiling from the tower. If he is well enough insured some minor accident (absit omen) might pay for the entire transformation. It is such a thrilling time for us all; I think I need to go and lie down to get over the excitement stirred up even by writing about it. 
