A LONG-planned vestry development project at St Mary's Church, Theydon Bois, has come a step nearer thanks to a £110,000 bequest.o

The late Joan Irons, of Baldocks Road, gifted the money to the church following her death last March, after being a regular visitor for nearly 30 years before her death in March.

The church aims to put £10,000 towards church funds as payments for repairs already carried out, while £100,000 will go towards the £345,000 needed for a major extension to the church.

The 1,5000sq. ft. of new space will provide a new entrance to the church, accommodation for children and proper access for the disabled and support facilities.

The decision to use the money for the work was taken by Canon Rev David Driscoll and churchwardens Grahame Lavender and Carole Fenton, as was Mrs Irons's wish.

Mrs Irons, who moved to Theydon Bois in 1972 with her husband, Stanley, who died in 1995, had no children.

The couple were active church members, with Mr Irons being a member of the parochial church council and the finance committee. His wife attended the church regularly in spite of suffering a stroke which handicapped her both mentally and physically.

Vestry Development Project chairman Richard Risdon said: "The wonderful generosity of Stan and Joan Irons should now make it possible for the church to complete the long-planned project which we thought we had no chance of building in the near future due to financial constraints."

However, the church still needs a further £45,000 before it can proceed with the work.

"We hope two or three people will come forward with substantial donations for us to cross the final hurdle and start the project in right earnest."

December 20, 2001 8:56