ST MARGARET’S CHURCH, TOPSHAM
Questionnaire for Individuals
We are extremely blessed at St Margaret’s, Topshamto have such a beautiful church with a truly magnificent view over the estuary – a sacred space in the heart of the town that stills and inspires us in equal measure. We are looking at ways in which we can make better use of this preciousresource and bring its unique characteristics more to the fore, both in our worship and in daily life, for the benefit of the whole community. As part of this exercise, we are considering a number of improvements to the church and church rooms to make them more welcoming and capable also of being adapted for a variety of uses by the wider community. To assist us in planning what we mightneed to do, we would be grateful if you could answer the following questions.
Please either:
-complete this form online (copies can be downloaded from the Mission Community website at and email it as an attachment ; or
-complete a hard copy and either post it to Revd. Tony Raven at33 Liberty Way, Exeter, Devon. EX2 7AS or place it in the sealed box in the church foyer.
Feel free to continue your comments on a separate sheet of paper if you need more space. In completing the form, please also note we are aware of recent problems with the heating in church. This is currently being resolved, so please do not focus unduly on the cold if possible!
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Name (this is not mandatory, but would help us to co-ordinate responses and avoid duplication)
How often do you currently visit the church? Do you do so mainly to attend worship or for other purposes - and if so what? Do you use the church rooms too?
What is your experience of the facilitiesin the church and the church rooms – warmth, light, accessibility, décor, furniture, equipment, toilets etc? Please answer separately for (a) church and (b) church rooms.
What is your experience of the ambiencein the church and church rooms – the atmosphere, welcome and sense of the sacred?
Do the church and church roomsmeet your needsand expectations(spiritual, social, cultural, emotional, practicaletc)?
From your perspective as a member of the congregation or visitor to the church, what don’t you like about the church building or church rooms as they are now?
What would enhance your experience of visiting the church and church rooms – both practically and in terms of your overall experience of the place?
What specific improvements would make the church or church rooms more attractive to you as a venue?
What would you advise us to attend to as a priority because it significantly diminishesyour experience of worship or of visiting the church?
Any other ideas, comments or suggestions? What vision do you have for St Margaret’s?
CHURCH BUILDING
I would like the following to be provided: / Strongly agree / Agree / Disagree / Strongly disagreeImprovements to external access
Better disabled access
Emergency parking (e.g. unloading)
A link between church & church rooms
Improved, flexible lighting
Flexible seating
Chairs instead of pews
More “free” space
Improved sound system
Audio/ visual equipment
More Christian educational material
Enhanced area for quiet contemplation
Improved décor in social areas
Improved furniture in social areas
Office facilities (wifietc)
Toilets at back of church
Modern kitchen
Better heating
Space for additional comments on any of the above, if needed
CHURCH ROOMS
I would like the following to be provided: / Strongly agree / Agree / Disagree / Strongly disagreeImprovements to external access
Better disabled access
Emergency parking (e.g. unloading)
Improved, flexible lighting
More “free” space
More separate meeting rooms
Improved décor
Improved furniture
Office facilities (wifietc)
Improved toilet facilities
Modern kitchen
Better heating
Space for additional comments on any of the above, if needed
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