IN 1998 and again in 2007 the church council at Hemyock suggested that a toilet should be installed in the church. For various reasons this did not go ahead.

On Saturday, with church bells ringing, 80 people gathered to see the Rev John Stone perform the dedication and opening ceremony at St Mary’s Church of recently completed work similar to that suggested a number of years ago.

The  work carried out by local  firm B K Construction saw the boiler house being demolished and oil tank re-sited. A new extension now houses two toilets and boiler. Pews in the north aisle have been removed, the raised  floor has been lowered for easy access and a new carpet has been laid for a social and children’s area.

The project has been completed on budget at the cost of about £98,000 and on time. Financial contributions have come not only from villagers but from people far and wide who had a connection with Hemyock, along with the support of Viridor Credits and several national grants.

Rev Stone expressed thanks to all those who had been involved in bringing the project to fruition before taking delight in cutting the ribbon with toilet roll bow which was across the entrance.

Church council treasurer Hazel Partridge said that a unanimous decision had been made by the PCC to present churchwardens David Bawler and Jenny Doble with a gift voucher for all the time they had spent driving the project forward to completion.

Choirmaster Ron White had written a funny and appropriate song ‘Push the Flush’, which caused much amusement when performed by the church choir.

The afternoon ended with tea and cakes with many of those present being able to enjoy sitting at tables in the new social area.