The Next 900 Campaign Appeal

What are we doing inside the church for local people and visitors?

We want to increase access to the past as part of our work at St Michael’s. This means helping people to discover the stories of our church and town – and its community.

We want to share our stories and your stories.

‘Make no mistake, this is far more than an appeal to restore ancient fabric or upgrade a public amenity. This is a vision for how St Michael’s can continue to fulfil its vocation within the community it serves. If, like me, Houghton has touched your life in some way or you wish to be associated with such an exciting project, then I encourage you to give generously and to play your part in its realisation.’

Ian Wallis
Rector, 1995-2007

How are you going to tell Our Stories; Your Stories?

We want everyone to be able to discover the history of our church and town here, share our stories and research their own.

To do this, we are installing new displays for the church – both inside and out – and creating a separate space for people to research their families, the church and local history. The new displays will include lots of things to touch, to do and think about. They will also be specially designed so that we can remove them during services or events.

We will also be helping people to appreciate and understand the amazing artefacts we have at St Michael’s, like the medieval knights’ tombs and the war memorials. We’ll be producing a colourful guidebook and leaflets about the church and town, and perhaps even a trail around Houghton’s historic highlights.

We will also be working with local teachers to produce new educational materials, so that more young people can come and enjoy St Michael’s and its stories.

The new displays, access to the archives and creation of education materials will cost in the region of £250,000. When you add this to all the other work we have to do, that’s why we need to raise one million pounds. (next)

How to help / donate
Campaign home page
Campaign Events
Issues
Building history and significance
The architectural proposals
The access proposals
The heritage proposals
Success so far
St Michael’s home page
How much have we raised so far?