The New Meeting House

Updates on progress

Builders hand over the Meeting House

On April 15th the Quaker Meeting House in Wilton Road was handed over to us by the builders, Spetisbury Construction Ltd. The building, formerly known as Kennet Lodge, has been completely transformed into a beautiful, light and spacious Meeting House. Upstairs there is a large self-contained two bedroom flat which will be let. Everyone admired the quality of the workmanship throughout the building. We are very grateful to everyone who has strived so hard to achieve this.

Update added on: 2010-04-24

Topping Out Celebration

Salisbury Quakers celebrated the building work carried out so far with a traditional Topping Out Ceremony on 27th February 2010. Along with local Quakers there were representatives of Spetisbury Construction Ltd. who are carrying out the work and the architects, Philip Proctor Associates. Flags with prayers and messages were hung around the scaffolding and a time capsule was planted under the finial on top of the roof. A celebration cake and shared lunch was enjoyed by all. (See Meeting House Photo Gallery:Topping Out Celebration - photos courtesy of Stuart McWilliam.)

Update added on: 2010-02-28

Update on progress

Just before Christmas, Salisbury Quakers visited the building site of their new Meeting House with mince pies and hot spicy apple juice for the men working in the cold conditions. We were given a tour and the pictures below show the progress being made. The work is going well. It is possible to get a feel of the spaces which will make up the Meeting Room, Library, Lobby, Kitchen, Children and Young People’s rooms and the upstairs flat. The original windows will allow in a great deal of natural light to enhance the rooms.

Update added on: 2010-01-09

Donations add up!

During 2009 the sum of £570 was raised for the Meeting House Fund from loose change collected each Sunday by Ann Cuming, the sale of Mary Moorhouse’s handmade cards and donations from her monthly Bread and Soup Lunches. Thanks to everyone for their generosity.

Update added on: 2010-01-08

Progess on the Building Site

After almost two months of work, Spetisbury Construction Ltd. builders are making good progress on the renovation of the new Meeting House. The debris has been removed, leaving the shell of the building to be restored. Original features like the windows will be retained to keep the character or this unique building. See the photos below for a closer look.

Update added on: 2009-11-24

Work on the Quaker Meeting House has begun!

Salisbury Quakers are delighted that at long last work has begun to create their new Meeting House in the beautiful but derelict Grade II listed building in Wilton Road they bought in 2003. Soon after the contract was signed three weeks ago, Spetisbury Construction Ltd. of Wimborne, Dorset, began the restoration of the former Old Manor Hospital building. The Meeting House is expected to be completed by April next year. Until then Meetings for Worship continue to be at 10.30am on Sundays in Sarum College. Without Lottery funding local Quakers have raised over £500,000 to enable the work to go ahead. It will provide them with a spiritual home and be available for use by the wider community. They are very grateful to everyone who supports them and to those in their Meetings who had faith in the undertaking and gave so much of their energy, expertise and time making this restoration a reality.

Update added on: 2009-10-02

Sponsored Bike Ride

Catherine Thomas, a member of Salisbury Quaker Meeting, set out on 20th September to cycle 455km along the ancient pilgrim route, the Camino de Santiago, in northern Spain, to raise funds to make the new Meeting House even more welcoming and comfortable. Donations can be made on line at http://www.justgiving.com/CatherineThomassponsoredbikeride2009. Alternatively, cheques can be made payable to Salisbury Quakers (Construction Account) and posted to Catherine at: Fisherton Mill, 108 Fisherton Street, Salisbury SP2 7QY.

Update added on: 2009-10-02

Photos

The Appeal

If you would like to make a donation to the continuing development of the new Meeting House please send a cheque, payable to Salisbury Quakers (Construction Account) to Alan Jones, Treasurer, Salisbury Local Quaker Meeting, Inglenook Cottage, Hale Road, Hale, Fordingbridge, Hampshire SP6 2NW.