Birch InSpire are delighted to advise you that they have now completed their next 6 months tranche of work accordingly to objectives jointly agreed by the Diocese of Chelmsford and Birch InSpire.
This work includes completing a consultation with the local communities, an architectural visit to Birch Church, initiation of discussions on access and parking with the parochial church council, initial consultation with funding bodies, assessment of potential risks / liabilities and, finally, submission of their application to the Charities Commission for charitable status for Birch InSpire.
Following input from the local community, together with input from their architect, they have now formulated a vision incorporating what they hope to realistically save and what the community would like to see in that restored space. They hope that this will comprise restoration of the spire and the chancel to form a ‘a café with a soul’ (in the chancel), together with a shop and rentable space in an additional architecturally appropriate building. This will be linked to the all-important landmark spire by an outdoor terrace. Their vision is ‘to preserve our past, enrich our present and inspire our future’, by creating an architectural destination for people to visit from Birch, Colchester and the surrounding communities.
Birch InSpire’s new website www.birchinspire.com gives much more detail on all of the above. It gives a great picture of how far they’ve come, including early work with SOS Save Our Spire, the work that Birch InSpire has been doing and the next steps going forward.
Going Forward
Birch InSpire has, this week, presented their report on the last six months to the sub-committee of the Chelmsford Diocese Board of Finance (CDBF), together with a request for another six months in order to submit a fully costed business plan. As a sub-committee, they have approved Birch InSpire’s request to put this forward for submission to the CDBF full committee for a vote in mid-July. If Birch InSpire gain a positive vote from them, together with approval for their charity application, Birch InSpire shall also need to be talking to planning and other associated professionals. Birch InSpire shall update as and when they hear more information, after mid July.
