The Latest Refurbishment

In 2003 a few members of St. Mary’s P.C.C. determined to bring the Parish Room facilities up to the standard required for a public venue in the 21st century. Funding was going to be needed as improved access and refurbishment of the facilities would be very costly.

These few P.C.C. members were soon joined by other members of the local community who also wished to see this landmark building restored and preserved for future use. Early in 2005 these people formed a committee of some twelve people who over the succeeding months met regularly and frequently to seek the necessary funding and a suitable architect.

A feasibility study was undertaken, funded by a Rural Target Fund grant of £4,530. The results were collated and with the addition of photographs showing the current condition of the building an exhibition was held in the Parish Room on Saturday October 29th 2005 from 10am until 3.00pm to enable local residents to view the selected architect’s design for the required transformation. Andrew Wiles of Wiles and Maguire, York was the architect chosen to design the necessary changes.

It was essential that the character of a Grade II* listed building was not spoilt but that it was made accessible for everyone, sound and insulation was improved, a modern high quality kitchen was provided and an impressive entrance provided.

In 2006 the group were overjoyed to hear that Yorkshire Rural Community Council had awarded them almost the full funding for the project totalling nearly £200,000. The local residents were requested to raise £7,000 towards this total to show that they really did support the renovation. Such was the generosity of the people of Tickhill that this sum was soon achieved and even exceeded.

In 2007 we were also awarded a grant of nearly £5,000 from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust to enable high quality kitchen equipment to be purchased enabling us to maximise the use made of the new kitchen and further enhance the Parish Room facilities.

The redevelopment has been a great success. In addition to a new kitchen a lift ensures that everyone can access the building. The main room has new furnishings in keeping with the age of the building, IT points and modern audio visual equipment fitted.