GAZETTE & HERALD: A Norman church dating back to the 12th century, St Andrew's has undergone many transformations. Now, in 2004, it is evolving again to meet the needs of its community.

Debbie Waite spoke to the people hoping to raise £750,000 to make the latest transformation possible.

Launched two weeks ago, the ambitious fundraising project, Making A Space For All People, is the brainchild of the Rev Simon Tatton-Brown, vicar of St Andrew's, Chippenham, and his parishioners.

Their aim is to create a grander entrance by restoring the historic pipe organ to a new gallery in its pre-1878 position and moving a memorial screen and improving facilities at the church.

Giving themselves three years to raise the cash, the Friends of St Andrew's intend to enlist the whole community's help.

And they're confident of success.

"It is a great deal of money to raise, but this town is very generous and there are a lot of people set to benefit from the changes here," said Mr Tatton-Brown.

"The building is used for regular concerts, for the weekly coffee morning and by other community groups, as well as a place of worship.

"But there are facilities that it needs to meet those demands, such as a kitchen, toilets and a better heating system.

"Along with installing those things, we are hoping to make some considerable changes to the inside layout of the church.

"The most important will involve moving the 18th century pipe organ from its present position on the left of the church to a special gallery above the main door.

"A new entrance will be created beneath the new West End Gallery and the exquisite organ, which was designed by a man called Bryce Seede, will play outwards towards the congregation, greeting them as they enter."

The intricately-carved First World War Memorial Screen, which currently stands at the mouth of the chancel, will also be relocated.

It will go to the front of the gallery to provide a grand entrance to the church in which light from the chancel window will be able to spill more freely into the church.

The screened-off vestry will be fitted with glass screens.

Mr Tatton-Brown said: "The organ once occupied a position in the west gallery, but was moved.

"The space that it will leave will provide an excellent area to house new toilet and storage facilities.

"And a much-needed foldaway kitchen area will also be installed at the back of the church to cater for events.

"Other great news is that a new energy-efficient heating system will be fitted.

"At the moment, our boiler is in the auction rooms in St Mary's Street and the pipes have to cross the churchyard.

"The new system will go under the vestry and will not only provide better heating, but also save us money on our bills too."

Unveiling an eye-catching 3-D model of the newly-arranged church, Mr Tatton-Brown stressed that the campaign will continue the long tradition of conserving the heritage left by previous generations, while better equipping the church for its ever-evolving role in the community.

"This church has belonged to the town for over a thousand years, but it needs to better serve the needs of its community," he said.

The man with the unenviable task of overseeing the £750,000 fundraising campaign is parishioner Graham Davies.

"We will be working together to raise funds through events and also through funds such as the National Lottery, the Borough Lands and Chippenham Town Council," said Mr Davies.

"The fundraising started just over two weeks ago when a specially commissioned, limited edition print of St Andrew's Church, by local artist Bob Rudd was unveiled.

"Only 100 prints have been produced by WP Litho in Calne, but it is hoped that all will be sold at the special price of £85, to contribute to the fund.

"And we also hope to hold a civic launch of the project and a gala concert in December."

Mr Davies said there will be a whole host of sponsored events and fundraising activity during the next three years.

He added: "We also want to make sure we give something back to say thank you for all the help we receive, by raising a substantial sum for a water project in the developing world.

"St Andrew's already plays such an important role in the community."

"We believe that the changes will only serve to make it an even better meeting place for all people."

Also loaning his considerable support to the project is the Bishop of Bristol, the Right Rev Mike Hill, who is patron of the campaign.

Bishop Mike said: "St Andrew's project is about making a space for all people.

"I am delighted to be associated with this venture, with its bold vision for a church building being for everyone.

"Over the centuries, churches have been used for more than their principal purpose of worship.

"It is good to see St Andrew's being adapted to make the most of its potential."

An exhibition showing the changing face of St Andrew's through the ages, the 3-D model and floor plans are currently on display in the church.

There is also an appeal for anyone who might join the Friends of St Andrew's.

Information on ordering the Bob Rudd print can be found at the church or at the Cellar Gallery, 46, Causeway, Chippenham.

The last major rebuilding of the church was in 1878 when the roof was raised and a complete north aisle added.