Thanks to a £40,000 legacy given to Christ Church, Eaton in memory of Eileen Back, the church was able to put new covered foam cushions on all the pews of the church in time for Easter Day, when over 280 people enjoyed the £6,000 worth of soft furnishing. [pictured right]

 

The legacy will also provide for new chairs, carpets and curtains and allow replacement of the cross on top of the church, which was damaged during last year’s freezing weather, and help fund repair of the ageing flint work and buckling windows in the West of the church, estimated to cost well over £30,000.

 

The work on the main West Window alone will cost over £13,000 and the lead of many other church windows is due for replacement.

 

 

The vicar, the Rev Dr Patrick Richmond said “We are so grateful to Eileen Back and the whole family for the legacy. The cushions look and feel a huge improvement and many people at our Easter services commented on them. Eileen Back served the Church for many years, helping keep it in pristine order. We hope that such acts of generosity will allow us to continue to maintain and improve Christ Church.”

 

 

An architect’s inspection of Christ Church in 2008 identified £135,000 to £160,000 pounds worth of maintenance and repair work needed. Last year the church completed £70,000 pounds worth of repairs and improvements, which have been much appreciated, not least by the growing numbers of children using the renovated rooms.

 

 

Dr Richmond spoke at General Synod, the Church of England’s Parliament, in February about the challenges to the Church of being committed to so many costly buildings as well as to spiritual growth and service to society.