Sheringham church’s play zone set to re-open

Work to extend the Soft Play zone at Lighthouse Community Church in Sheringham is almost complete, and should re-open to customers next week. Tony Rothe reports.

The free soft play space is the only one of its kind in Sheringham and is provided for the benefit of the community as part of the outreach of the church, alongside Lighthouse café. The old play area could only accommodate up to 15 parents or carers with their pre-school children. It had become so popular that it was often full to capacity, and the staff frequently had to restrict numbers entering.
 
Lighthouse Café and the ThreadBear shop will re-open tomorrow (13 January) after the Christmas break. The café staff hope to provide a limited soft play facility from Wednesday onwards. Construction work on the new extension should be completed this week, including work to improve the car park and mitigate some of the drainage issues.
 
The new soft play room should open next Tuesday, 20 January, with a greatly extended floor area, and new tables and chairs. More soft play pods and other play equipment will arrive in the coming weeks, with the entire scheme being fully completed by the Spring.
 
Project manager Chris Harrison said, “Despite some challenges along the way, we have been able to raise all the funds needed to build this extension, and it is clear that God has been blessing this venture. We are particularly grateful to the contractors, Ovamills, who have been so co-operative, efficient and friendly. We are also thankful for all the help given by the architects, Chaplin Farrant, and the civil engineers, Canhams. Big thanks must also go to those who have donated funds, as we could not have achieved all this without you”
 
Maggie Rothe, café manager, said “We see Lighthouse Café and soft play area, alongside our ThreadBear shop selling pre-loved children’s clothes and toys, as providing vital outreach into our local community. We intend to continue to provide this enhanced soft play facility free of charge for Lighthouse Cafe customers.”
 
Lighthouse Café and ThreadBear shop are open 10.30am to 2.30pm, Tuesday to Friday each week.
 
Visit the Lighthouse website and facebook page.
 
Read our previous story about the plans to expand the soft play zone.
 
The original architects concept drawing is courtesy of Lighthouse Community Church.

Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in North Norfolk?  

If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorwich.co.uk with details and, if possible a suitable picture.