News

September 2011 - Centenary of the Building of the Sanctuary.

The celebrations included exhibibitions of the church's history and of all its current activities, a celebration concert afternoon teas and a celebration service.

December 2011 - ECO Church

The church has utilised one of its vast roof areas to install a 4 kilowatt photovoltaic solar power generating system. This has involved installing 16 roof panels with an inverter in the roof space all connected into the existing power supply The church, which had previously installed solar panels to provide heating for its hot water system, will now generate much of its power requirements from this new system.

The extensive premises occupy a site between Roe Road and Purser Road on Abington Avenue. The buildings are used for church services on a Sunday and throughout the week for various community activities. The main Church building, which recently underwent a modern theatre style remodelling, is proving to be a popular venue for concerts organised by local community orchestras and choirs and is a principal venue for the Northants Music and Performing Arts Service’s annual festival of speech and drama.

The Rev Dr Alan Spence, minister at the church, says: “The church buildings have in recent years undergone an extensive upgrade to meet the needs of the local community enabling the active congregation to provide a range of facilities and services for use by and within the neighbourhood. The premises are now in use seven days a week and this places huge demands on resources. It seemed appropriate therefore that we should consider the possibility of investing in the installation of a renewable energy system that will help both the environment and, at the same time, reduce our day to day running costs.”

The system has been installed by ACS Renewables of Towcester. The church was pleased to be able to use a local business and have been delighted with the helpful, friendly and efficient service received from ACS. The panels were installed at the beginning of December and the church members are now looking forward to some sunny weather to reap the financial and environmental benefits this system will bring.