IN A recent copy of the Andover Advertiser you reported on Rev Canon Jill Bentall talking about the Anglican Church at Penton and issuing a warning to the good people of Andover about that local church: ‘Use it or lose it’.

We, the congregation of Andover United Reformed Church, want to say something quite different.

The church is just off the Vigo Road roundabout, adjacent to Vigo Park. Any passers-by might well have noticed that the building is currently surrounded by scaffolding as we carry out a major repair and refurbishment (costing in excess of £50,000 – all of which we have to find as a congregation).

The need for repairs etc.

is perhaps not unexpected in a building over 300 years old.

We are not asking for financial help (although we will not refuse any offers!) We want to say two things: We are still open for business, and, when the building work is completed – hopefully in the next month or so – we want the building used, and not just on a Sunday.

We are an Eco- Congregation and Fair- Trade Church and already the building is used by some organisations – Andover's Portuguese speaking church, Slimming World, Neighbourcare, both Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades and Andover Light Orchestra.

Our vision is to see the building used as a community resource, as well as by our own congregation.

So, if there are any organisations that are looking for a ‘home’ why not think about using our building and, in a sense, becoming part of our community?

We look forward to welcoming you into our building!

Of course, you don’t have to wait until the work is finished. Why not join us for morning worship at 10.30am every Sunday?

If you are interested, then contact the Church Secretary Ron MacRae at secretary@andoverurc.org .uk or on 01264 771035 Ron MacRae, The Leadership Group, Andover United Reformed Church