REALISING THE VISION When the Centre opened in 2002 it quickly became apparent that the physical layout of this beautiful Grade 2Y listed building excluded many potential guests who cannot manage our stairs. Since then our dream has been to provide two ground floor bedrooms and an extra public room that could be used for meetings, additional quiet space and worship. Installing lifts was out of the question as was extending the existing building so we began to investigate whether we could convert the garage, woodshed and tool shed into guest accommodation. Realising this vision has taken many years and caused much heart searching but, by the grace of God, we have finally reached the point where planning permission has been granted. PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED In April 2009 we were given permission to build two ground floor en-suite twin bedded rooms [one of which will be fully adapted] and an additional ground floor meeting room that could also be used for worship. These would be built on the site of the existing garage [across the drive from the main house] and thus would also necessitate the construction of suitable paths and ramps between the two buildings. FUNDING CONSIDERED We were then faced with the challenge of how this would be financed. The Trustees had to decide whether or not to step out in faith and start work on the building even though no funds existed for this. Most of the financial support given prior to that date had been used up on the preliminary stages including architects fees and planning. A STEP IN FAITH After much prayer and discussion it was agreed that the work could begin in the autumn of 2009 providing that at least £50,000 had been raised. We were overjoyed, therefore, when ‘A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over' [Luke 6:38] was poured into our laps. By mid October we had received over £100,000! God is so good! But there is still a long way to go to in order to find the remaining £175,000. THE WORK HAS BEGUN The builders started work on 26th October 2009 and they are now well into the build despite the exceedingly wet month that followed. They hope to finish at the end of April 2010. The rooms will be called The Orchard Rooms OPEN TO ALL We are so delighted that this project is going ahead at last! We have always said we are ‘open to all' and now this will become a reality. When Jesus said "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest," he didn't add "except those who can't climb stairs." It will make such a difference to those guests to have purpose-built, ground floor accommodation. We will also be able to use the extra public space for small group meetings and for worship. Jen Rees-Larcombe recently told us: "When I most needed a sanctuary during an illness which trapped me in a wheelchair - I couldn't find one with bedrooms downstairs. Penhurst has been a closed door to some of the people who need it most." Another of our regular Retreat Leaders, Marilyn Baker, has explained: "Often those who are disabled feel a nuisance or second rate when they are unable to use the standard accommodation provided." HOW YOU CAN HELP PRAY WITH US AND FOR US Please pray for us and with us. Since the work began on the new building we have had a whole series of niggling difficulties befall us at the Centre. Office equipment failed us when we most needed it, the plumbing for the central heating system developed an underground leak and left us without heat or hot water [and a large plumbing bill] and this week the tumble dryer has stopped working. Please pray that the Centre continues to be a haven for those who need it despite these interruptions. Pray also that the staff stay positive and are not overwhelmed by the extra work generated by these hiccups and by the ongoing fundraising appeal. Could you also pray for the new building itself - that it goes ahead without a hitch and that the money to pay for it is forthcoming. We have planned our Open Day for July 3rd 2010 in the sure hope that The Orchard Rooms will be complete and ready to be ‘officially opened' by then. The builders are scheduled to be finished by the end of April 2010 so we don't think this is an unrealistic aim. We are holding quarterly prayer meetings at the Centre on the following dates: Thursday 3rd December 2009 2-3pm Wednesday 10 March 2010 2-3 pm Thursday 3rd June 2010 2-3pm Thursday 2nd September 2010 2-3pm Thursday 2nd December 2010 2-3pm We'd love you to join us here but if you can't please join us in prayer wherever you are on these dates. We also have a 31 day ‘calendar' that we are asking supporters to sign if they are prepared to pray for us on the same date each month. Many people have chosen their birthday date as it is easy to remember. We, for instance, would be praying specifically for Penhurst on the 9th and 25th of each month. ATTEND A FUNDRAISING EVENT We now have a fantastic fundraising team who are organising a series of events throughout this year. The first event this year, Music at the Manor was held on 13 February 2010. This was a great success and it raised £550 towards the Development Fund. The next event - storytelling around the fire - will be in mid - April. See our Fundraising events section for more information. JOIN OUR FUNDRAISING TEAM If you have any time, enthusiasm or ideas to share with us we'd love to hear from you. Contact Richard and Storm on 01424 892088 or Linda Morgan on 01323 769485 if you can help in any way. HOLD A FUNDRAISING EVENT Could you run a fundraising event in your area in aid of the Centre? We have already had a sponsored walk, a summer concert, a big cream tea party and Music at the Manor but we're sure you can think of lots more. How about a coffee morning, garage sale, auction of promises, a street party or sponsored slim? We'd love to think that fun community events might also be raising money for Penhurst. If you do decide to do this you can increase your publicity and make it easy for people to donate by using our DONATIONS button and making a free online fundraising page through JUST GIVING. You can then email the link to friends near and far and they can donate online easily and safely with a credit/debit card. The money they donate will appear on your page but will be sent straight to us so that you don't have to collect and forward it. We also have a ‘fundraising information pack' available to fundraisers giving information about the Centre and the project. If you would like us to send you one please contact us. SUPPORT US FINANCIALLY We still need to raise a further £175,000 to pay for the building and fit it out. We will then need to find additional funds for the ramp to the front door which has not been included in the costing so far. Will you consider making a special gift towards our Development Fund or commit to a regular monthly amount so that we can be assured of having the funds to complete the project as soon as possible? We are aware that these are difficult times for many of us, and in human terms, it does not make sense to launch a major capital appeal in this present economic climate. But God's word is full of examples of how he asks his people to do crazy things in order to demonstrate his power and grace. You may only be able to send a small gift; or you may have been financially blessed recently and want to pass some of that blessing on to others. Just as Jesus took a youngster's picnic and used it to feed a hungry crowd, we are sure that your gift to Penhurst will be multiplied in order to achieve God's purposes. You can donate online through a secure site by clicking on the DONATIONS button or you might want to phone us with your card details or send us a cheque or charity gift voucher made payable to: PENHURST RETREAT CENTRE. If you are able to commit to a regular monthly amount [no matter how small] then please email or phone us and we'll send you a standing order form to fill in. Whichever way you choose, by partnering with us in this exciting project you will be helping to make the dream of access for all at Penhurst a reality. THANK YOU Thank you again to those of you who have already sent in donations in response to our newsletter, fundraising activities or recent appeal letter. We REALLY appreciate your support, prayer and encouraging comments. They have helped us to stay positive and to focus on the amazing work God is doing here. |
 September 2009. The Garage and tool shed before the work began.
 An artist's impression of the new building  October 2009.The gargoyles looked on with their usual disdain! They too have been saved and will be re-sited somewhere else.   October 2009. The garage doors were taken down carefully in the hope that we can re-use them to create a feature in the orchard.  October 2009. This guest wasn’t able to make use of the new facilities but seeing her buggy in the cleared garage gave us great hope.  October 2009. The wood from the woodshed is now stored in the orchard.  October 2009. The builders brought their own 'sitting room' and 'facilities'.  November 2009. The roof tiles were removed carefully and stored for re-use  November 2009.The roof has gone.  December 2009. The 'mud phase' begins - helped along by the deluge of rain we received throughout November!  December 2009. William the Concreter! What else would you expect in 1066 country?  December 2009. The 'building phase' begins - albeit underground and still with PLENTY of mud!  December 2009. The foundations are laid and at last the new layout is visable.  December 2010. Real bricks arrive - carefully chosen to blend in with the existing tool shed.  December 2009. Almost ready for the walls now! .jpg) January 2010. Finally the walls start to go up .jpg) Despite the bad weather in January the walls continue to grow .jpg) February 2010. All of a sudden it looks like a building! .jpg) February 2010. A new coin has been placed in the apex of the meeting room/Chapel. Back in the 60s when the Manor House was being renovated a coin, dated 1610, was found in the rafters.  February 2010. A sneaky look inside the new meeting room/chapel. The paddling pool will not be a permanent feature! .jpg) February 2010. View of the church from the meeting room.  February 2010. Inside bedroom 1 |
