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 Why is this project necessary?
This project will address two issues in the Parish. The first, and perhaps most immediate, is the need for space for a continually expanding youth work (or ministry) that now has contact with approximately 45-50 young people and has seen a growth of around 900% in the last four-five years. The appointment of a full time worker has signalled the intent of the Parish to invest significantly in this ministry and the provision of an adequate space is essential to enable further growth and allow the youth work to reach out more proactively and effectively into the community.
The second issue is the changing nature of Parish ministry in the 21st Century that has moved away from the model of one key worker towards a team based approach. There is a need for greater synergy within a growing team, that now includes a Rector (vacant), two team Vicars, Simon Howell and Andrew Judge, four lay readers, Edmund Cannon, Rachel Hall, Les Herbert and June Lowe, a Verger, Graham Kay, a part time Music Director, Roger Peach, an Office Manager, Liz O'Hara, a Pastoral Lay Worker, Sue Stevens, and a full time Youth Worker, Dan Crouch. This team require significant office space, opportunities to meet together, pray together and work together, that a ministry centre would provide, allowing them to serve the community of Keynsham more efficiently and effectively.
Why have we decided to act at this time?
A period of vacancy in a Parish such as Keynsham occurs approximately every ten years, so the opportunity to purchase the Rectory is ours for a limited time. It will be at least ten years, if not longer, before such an opportunity occurs again. There is also significant and tangible growth in the area of children's, youth and family ministry that the Parish would like to see continue in both the short and longer term that require greater space to flourish as it seeks to serve the community even more effectively.
What about planning permission?
The process to obtain planning permission for change of use commenced in September 2009. It is a lengthy process and while the final decision remains outstanding (Dec 2009), a decision either way is anticipated in the near future and it is necessary, due to the short timescale, to actively address the gathering of the required funds so that we can meet the required timescale (see below).
Why do we need to move so swiftly? What is the timescale?
As indiciated above, a period of vacancy in a Parish such as Keynsham occurs approximately every ten years, so the opportunity is ours for a limited time. Further, in order that the process towards the appointment of a new Rector can be made, the Parish must purchase the current Rectory from the Diocese AND provide the Diocese with ample time and opportunity to find and purchase a new home for the Rector and their family. A final decision, including the financial implications, and assuming the planning permission application is successful, needs to be made early in 2010.
Will the project have a negative impact on the appointment of a new Rector?
It is not anticipated that this project will have a negative impact on this appointment. The unsuitability of the current Rectory as a family home, in terms of location and the actual condition of the house may well discourage potential applicants from applying. The possibility of having some involvement in the location and purchase of their new home may well be an attractive option to potential applicants.
How are we going to raise funding?
A number of options are being explored in order to raise the funds necessary in a short period of time, including;
Grant applications
Individual gifts (we have already had one five figure sum)
Business Sponsorship
Specific Fundraising Activities
The young people themselves are taking a key role in raising funds and taking ownership of the project.
 What might the benefits of the facility be for the community?
There are numerous potential benefits of this project for the community;
1. The development of an additional facility for the young people of the town to use, providing them with activities and learning opportunities.
2. The availability of a youth worker, working from a solid base, to work with young people in the town in a variety of contexts.
3. The opportunity to provide new activities and experiences for a wider range of young people.
4. The increased synergy of a team of community leaders able to serve the community more effectively.
5. Partnership with other organisations in the town to provide greater opportunites for young people and potentially reduce the level of anti-social behaviour in the town.
6. A significant space where all young people across the town could find information, advice aqnd guidance on a range of issues, activities and events.
7. A safe space available to all young people at a variety of times.
Are there any other options?
A feasibility study was conducted on behalf of the PCC in September 2009. Four options, including the development of the Rectory as a youth and ministry centre were considered. The alternative options were;
1. Do nothing.
2. Extend the existing Hall facilities.
3. Look to rent a different building, perhaps elsewhere in Keynsham High Street.
As a result of the findings of this study the PCC opted to pursue the purchase of the Rectory, subject to numerous conditions including the provision of planning permission, and the raising of the necessary funds for purchase due to the various difficulties associated with the other options.
What about the implications of the 'faith basis' of the project?
There are of course numeorus implications in terms of funding, and other aspects of the project, that are connected to the 'Christian' ethos of this project. However, we have no desire to be apologetic for this position and indeed want to connect explicitly our work serving the community with our faith. The project aims to be inclusive and offer the opportunity for young people of Christian faith, other faiths and no faith to gather together and use what we hope will be an excellent young people's facility for the community.
Have other organisations in the community been approached?
Other organisations are being approached as the Parish seek to view this as a community project, designed to both benefit the community and include the community. From the youth work perspective it is hoped this development will complement the existing local authority provision in the town. The Principal Youth Office for Bath and North East Somerset Council is in support of the project, as too is the local authority area youth worker. Other providers of youth activities in the town have also been supportive. Collaboration and partnership in the area of youth work are central t o the plans.
How can I support the project?
You can support the project in three main ways;
1. Prayer - the project is focussed on discerning God's will for the future of the Parish and prayer is essential in this process.
2. Spreading the News - share the vision with other people and encourage them to support in whatever way they can.
3. Finances - the overall cost of the project is significant, around £315,000 so pledges and donations of any amount will be welcomed. For more information please contact the Parish Office on 0117 9863354 or office@keynshamparish.org.uk
If you feel your question has not been answered here then please contact the Parish Office, as above.
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