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10/10/08

Q-plus church re-fit

The United Church in Bradford on Avon have made their own significant statement of how important the fixtures and fittings in a Church are in supporting all the occasions that fill it with song and praise, by undertaking a major refurbishment.

 

The Church (a listed building) has been used as a meeting place for worship since 1740.  With a growing congregation it was enlarged twice in the first 100 years.  Later partial refurbishments in 1913 and the 1980s occurred around the earlier fixed platform and pew seating.  The recent refurbishment recognised the need for greater flexibility and comfort  - thus the fixtures needed removing and replacements were sought. 

 

In the case of the staging, a solution where the stage could be reconfigured for different uses was required.  Forming the focal point at the front of the Church, Q-Plus was chosen, building a wall to wall stage across the width of the space with boxed steps up to the platform; the central part containing the movable pulpit, lectern, communion table and rails, with piano and baptismal font on the side platforms.  This single level format is the setting for the majority of the time, however, due to the nature of Q-Plus, the stage can be removed completely, or can be reconfigured to project into the middle of the Church for more informal "worship in the round" services.

 

As well as the Church choir, the building is also the home of the 35 strong community choir "Con Brio" who regularly rehearse there and provide concerts around the locality in support of various charities.  When performing in the church, the Q-Plus frames of the side platforms are removed and placed on to the central stage to provide a 4 level tiered arrangement, enhancing the acoustics as well as the audience's view of the choir.

 

The stage itself, although lightweight, easy to manoeuvre and amazingly versatile, is extremely strong. With the need to support a variety of heavy and bulky pieces of furniture including a piano, it is proving its strength whilst demonstrating true versatility through its variety of uses.

 

For more information on the United Church, Bradford on Avon email g.j.reeve@btinternet.com

 

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