The upgrade works to the community centre are progressing very well. The ceiling and flooring have both been upgraded and look fabulous.
Works are progressing within budget and on time at the moment and we will be updating further here as we progress to the final stages of the upgrades.
Thank you for your continued patience during these essential upgrades to the community centre.
Doesn’t the Community Garden look fantastic?!
Sally and the Garden Church who meet here on alternate Sunday afternoons have done a wonderful job in creating this beautiful and peaceful space where formerly there was just a lot of gravel and hard surfaces which Tricia and Alan fought hard to keep looking as good as possible.
The funding for this was provided by BCP Council through Poole Quay Forum and was from Community Infrastructure Levy funds recovered from developers building all the new homes in Old Poole.
When Andy from the Forum came to the Open Day last year to see what had been created he suggested that funds might also be available to upgrade the Hamworthy Hall given its use by so many community groups.
The hall was well built, but that was nearly 50 years ago (!) and it was looking a little tired after extensive use by us and other groups.
We therefore applied for another CIL grant to upgrade it and we have been very fortunate to have been awarded around £70,000 to do this.
Get in TouchBriefly the works include
– New flooring in the main and entrance halls, the office and the storeroom
– Insulation in the roof space of both the community hall and the Parlour
– Repair /replace windows and doors
– Replace worn out sanitary ware in the loos and create a new lavatory in what has been the utility cupboard in the Gents
– New hot water heaters, dishwasher, oven and (vented) hood in the kitchen
– General redecoration
At this stage there is no allowance for anything further in the kitchen, but as the project progresses we may see if there are sufficient funds to replace the work surfaces and the main sink.
Works commenced on 11/5/26 and after a bit of a delay due to the removal of the inevitable asbestos, are now progressing very well.
For the duration of the works the whole area is out of bounds to everyone so a portaloo has been installed in the garden and a field kitchen in the Choir Vestry. All users are making use of the Sanctuary (not the Badminton Group) and it’s good to see that this is being embraced with good grace.
Without any promises (!) we hope the works will be completed towards the middle/end of June and we will then have a splendid new facility which we must ensure is used by as many local groups as possible as well as by us.
Whatch this space!”
Below are some images showing the works that will be carried out in line with above information:
On Sunday 8th March, Skinner Street Church was delighted to host a Lenten Lunch, bringing together members of our congregation and wider community for a time of fellowship and reflection. The event was warmly received, with guests enjoying a simple yet delicious meal in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. It was a wonderful opportunity to pause during the Lenten season, share conversation, and strengthen our sense of community. We are grateful to everyone who attended and to those who helped organise such an enjoyable and meaningful occasion.
Contact UsDuring September we held three open days which were on 11th, 13th and 18th in connection with Dorset Historic Churches Trust’s “Ride and Stride” event and Dorset Architecture Week.
Participants were invited to walk or cycle between the area’s historic churches, raising funds for the Dorset Historic Churches Trust (DHCT) as well as their chosen local church or chapel. The money raised through sponsorship helps support the maintenance and restoration of these treasured historic buildings.
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Work has been carried out to remedy water ingress on the corner of our historic Sanctuary building which has caused damage to the brickwork and interior plaster. This entailed investigation of problem, removal of vegetation, refixing of slates and flashing, works to false windows and general refurbishment.
These works were partially funded by the URC Synod and a generous grant from Dorset Historic Churches Trust (thank you!) with the balance being met by us. Any contributions would be must welcome.
We are now letting the fabric dry out, with the help of our new boiler! Then we can redecorate next year
Work carried out on the section of roof that was in need of repairs:
On Saturday 7th June this year we held a Fund Raising Open Day at the church. This gave everyone the opportunity to explore the history of this church, enjoy a coffee or tea and take a ticket for the Tombola. This event was to raise some funds towards the new church boiler! The old one gave up so a replacement is needed!
We are currently without a Minister but are supported by the Wessex Synod.
The Elders at Skinner Street work to keep the day to day activities necessary for supporting the congregation and local community, running smoothly.
The monthly newsletter gives all the service details and activities going on together with contact details.
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Thank you to all of you who visited us on the 29th March 2025 for our Gift of a Garden for the local community event. It was a fantastic day and the sun shone nicely for us. We had lots of guests along with some fun activities and of course there was cake too!
I’m sure you will agree that the new garden area has been beautifully created and for those that haven’t visited yet, please do feel free to come and see the garden yourself.
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A beautiful day was had by all.
