On Thursday 23 June, Wakefield Cathedral will warmly welcome Revd Colin Baldwin, who is taking part in Stage Two of his mammoth challenge of cycling the English Cathedrals, raising funds to build a new centre by his church in the city of Southend-on-Sea.
Determined to cycle to every cathedral in England the Revd Colin Baldwin will set off on 20 June 2022 from Guildford by bike on a gruelling, ten day journey, raising funds to build a much needed centre to serve a needy community.
The existing dilapidated and inefficient structures of the much loved hall and church that were erected as temporary buildings over 70 years ago are set to be replaced by a new flexible, innovative building system that will be as environmentally sustainable as possible. Planning Permission for the new build was granted in December 2021. Lifestreams at Saint Stephen’s, in Alton Gardens is currently operating from the former vicarage 213 Manners Way and over the last two years has developed the building and garden to serve the local community with a Community Fridge and garden, both of which are now being well used.
Revd Colin Baldwin, leading the church says ’We desperately want to extend the services that we can offer to this local community, we’ve had the plans for some time and just need to start the building process so that our neighbours can benefit from these new facilities.’
It is estimated that £200k is needed to build the first phase consisting of community café and toilets with the required infrastructure. Trusts and grant funders who wish to support the project are likely to provide match funding. The cycle ride, one of a number of initiatives being rolled out in 2022, is projected to raise £10k.
The Bishop of Chelmsford, Rt Revd Guli Francis-Deqhani said “I wish Colin well for this next stage of his incredible bike journey, raising funds for the new buildings at Saint Stephen’s Prittlewell. This is an exciting and important project for Saint Stephen’s which will be of great benefit to the local community and the church. I will be following Colin’s journey with interest. Please support him if you can”.
Colin said ‘This exciting project will be the first church and community centre constructed with second-hand shipping containers, built responding to the Covid-19 and environmental crises. The new building will bring new life into the area, by being a safe place to gather and create more sense of community.’
All at Wakefield Cathedral wish Revd Colin the very best of luck with his challenge and fundraising efforts, and look forward to welcoming him on the 23 June.
The cycle ride itinerary is as follows:
20 June – Guildford to Oxford
21 – Oxford – Birmingham – Lichfield
22 – Lichfield – Derby – Southwell – Lincoln
23 – Lincoln – Sheffield – Wakefield
24 – Wakefield – Bradford – York
25 – York – Ripon – Durham
26 – Durham – Newcastle – Carlisle
27 – Carlisle – Blackburn
28 – Blackburn – Manchester – Liverpool – Chester
29 – Chester – Hereford
Donations are gratefully received via www.justgiving.com/fundraising/saintstephens1000x1000s
More information:
www.lifestreams.org.uk
Social media (Instagram/Twitter/Facebook/YouTube/TikTok) – LifeStreamsUK
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