Changing Church Rooms

Local building and maintenance company Rok has given St Luke’s Church in Wythenshawe a makeover as part of its commitment to ‘giving something back’ to the local communities where it operates.

The ‘Rok Community Challenge’ involved donating the time of the company’s trades people and team leaders who carried out repairs and refurbished areas of the church hall which is used by community groups such as Brownies and Rainbows as well as for events such as weddings and concerts.

Most of the repairs were around the stage area of the hall, which had fallen into disrepair due to water damage and vandalism.

Rok, which specialises in building and maintaining housing for Registered Social Landlords and Local Authorities, plastered the ceiling, replaced bowed window boards where there were once windows and repainted all surfaces of the stage to give a fresh feel and make it a safe environment for events and functions.

The Rok team had contacted longstanding customer Willow Park Housing Trust, who works closely with St Luke’s Church, to see if there was any urgent repair work required. Following an initial meeting, area leaders gave up their time this month to help paint walls and floors and tend the gardens which are used for family and community gatherings.

This latest community challenge is part of the wider Rok Repairing Britain campaign led by chief executive, Garvis Snook who is calling on the government to reduce VAT on all building maintenance and repair work to 5%. This would help save jobs and restore civic pride across the country.

Rok Housing Director, Martin Donnachie, said: “It has been an absolute pleasure working in partnership with our long-term customer Willow Park Housing Trust in such a worthwhile initiative. Richardson Projects, which is now part of Rok, have worked in Wythenshawe for many years and it was important for us to ‘give something back’ by really making a difference to the lives of local people. On behalf of Rok, I feel privileged to have been involved in this project and hope the church hall continues to be a place which can be used by everyone in the local community.“

Brenda Clover, Tenant Director from Willow Park Housing Trust, said: “On behalf of Willow Park Housing Trust and St Luke’s Parish, I would like to say a huge thank you to Rok for giving the church hall such a wonderful makeover. I feel overwhelmed with the kindness we have received from everyone who has helped with this transformation and I am sure our community groups can’t wait to use make full use of the stage area.”