St Swithin’s accessibility improvements demonstrate God's love is for all
St Swithin’s, Holmesfield, has welcomed parishioners since 1826. Each succeeding generation has preserved, rebuilt and, where necessary, adapted the building for changing times.
As a new milestone, they undertook alterations to the interior of the church to make it a better space for children and for those who use mobility aids such as wheelchairs.
Not to do things “half-measure”, they also replaced the 1960s boiler and cast-iron radiators. The 60-year-old sound system was replaced with an up-to-date system and an automatic roll-down projection screen was installed.
The PCC met with Lynda Herbert from DIAG to seek her advice on the disability ramp and general accessibility. So energised were the PCC following the meeting that they invited Lynda back when the ramp was installed so that she could preach (Lynda is a licensed lay minister).
The ramp has a great design – a natural gradient that leads from the nave to the main chancel area, perfectly carpeted to match the other, with supportive handrails. A masterclass in ramp design and installation.
Lynda said, “The hard work undertaken is astounding - the ramp is superb. St Swithin’s have led the way, and this enables the building to be truly welcoming and inclusive for everyone. My thanks go to them for their warm welcome when I went to visit and preach”.
Revd Ian Webb, Team Vicar, said, “It was wonderful to welcome Lynda to preach on Trinity Sunday. Lynda's advice regarding our refurbishment project was invaluable, and it was a joy and blessing to benefit from her ministry in a way that wouldn't have been possible before the project.
Lynda reminded us that God's mission of love is to ALL nations and within our nation is a 'nation' of people living with disabilities who often feel excluded and isolated. The accessibility improvements at St. Swithin's are one small way to demonstrate God's love is for all.”
Additional information:
Lynda Herbert has been invited to preach for the national Church of England online service on Sunday, 20 September 2026 marking Disability Sunday. The service will be available at www.churchofengland.org
Through the roof has developed a pool of resources for churches to freely use to enable their own disability Sunday service. They can also be used at any time.
