Just saw this on the Thomas Moore RC Parish website. A new use for the old Irish center? PARISH MEETING 7.30-830pm 12 JULY 2013 AT THE JOHN PAUL CENTRE RE THE ST THOMAS MORE HALL NOTES The meeting opened with a prayer and was attended by approximately 30 parishioners. Fr Gerry introduced Theresa Blythin, the parish administrator and Jonathan Palmer who had been the project manager. Theresa explained her involvement in the project. Fr Gerry explained why he had called the meeting. The St Thomas More Hall is a parish asset and we have now reached the stage where, as a parish, we should discuss its future. A report on progress so far had been produced and the focus for the meeting was the content of the report and in particular the conclusions. (Copies of the report which is on the parish website, were made available.) Fr Gerry invited questions from the floor: A question was asked about ownership ? ie, does the building belong to the parish or the diocese? Fr Gerry confirmed that in a meeting with the Assistant Financial Secretary it was clearly stated that, although the hall is in the ownership of the Trustees, should the hall be leased or sold, the funds would come to the parish. It was asked how much the building is worth. Jonathan was able to say that it had been valued by a commercial agent at ?1.25m. A parishioner commented that she felt that the church should have a visible presence in the community and as Pope Francis encourages, be prepared to go outside of its comfort zone. Her suggestion was for a foodbank. It was also felt that it would be even more desirable to engage ecumenically in such a project. Dena Blakeman introduced herself as representing Picturehouse Cinemas Ltd. She is also a parishioner. Her company had a viable offer on the table. She explained the range of cinematic entertainment that the company would be offering to a variety of age groups. There was considerable support for this option. One parishioner thought that this would be particularly beneficial for teenagers. There was a general discussion about facilities within the community ? one person asked where the Cubs and Scouts meet (at present they meet in the school). A lack of facility for receptions for baptisms, funerals and weddings was also mentioned. It was also asked if we sold the property, would we get enough money to extend the church, should we so wish? Overall there was a consensus for retaining the building and finding a suitable tenant, and of the current options, the meeting favoured the cinema proposal. Theresa Blythin 12/7/13 Looks interesting
