The PCC of the Church of St. Mary, Saffron Walden, asked Kay Pilsbury Thomas Architects and Bakers of Danbury to help them achieve much needed welcoming facilities within the church.

Works included re-ordering of the west main entrance, including attractive leaflet and hymn book display and storage; providing a welcoming area at the south entrance to the church; providing a servery for the provision of teas, coffees and cold drinks; additional storage units throughout the church; an all-person DDA/Dementia friendly toilet with baby change area; repositioning of the Baptismal font and of the ledger stones.

The joinery was all designed and hand crafted in English oak, incorporating a carved crocus, the symbol of Saffron Walden, on many of the units.

The Welcome Project has won the top award of “Highly Commended” in the Diocese Design awards 2019.”