The Church

Important information

Our clergy, the Vicar and the Associate Priests, are available to give spiritual advice and guidance. Alongside the clergy, trained lay people are available in the event of anyone needing a visit. Please contact one of the clergy if you are aware of such a need.

There is a free monthly magazine. Please pick up a copy.

Photography in church
Even at special services such as weddings, cameras and videocameras may only be used in St Margaret’s after consultation with the clergy. During christenings, for instance, photography may only be permitted at the moment of baptism itself, though it is usually possible for the baptismal party to have their photographs taken around the font after the service.

Kitchen waste
It is requested that anyone responsible for clearing up after an event in church should take home, give away, or dispose of any food or drink left over. Please do not leave leftovers in the church fridge: they are most unlikely to be used, and somebody else will have to dispose of them.

Fire procedures
On discovery of a fire during a service or when others are present

  • Alert the congregation or audience that an emergency has occurred, preferably via the minister or director of the performance so that the announcement can be made through the loudspeakers and loop system.
  • Direct responsible persons to open all the designated exits away from the fire ahead of the evacuation of the congregation or audience (this is important as the church has inward opening doors) and then move people out through them, paying special attention to the needs of children and the infirm.
  • Only attempt to put out the fire if it is safe to do so without risk to yourself using the appropriate extinguisher. If there is the slightest chance of the fire not being immediately containable ring for the fire brigade (fixed telephone in vicar’s vestry or use a mobile phone.) Assemble on the pavement nearest the church in St. Margaret’s Rd.
  • NB. Probably the greatest risk in St. Margaret’s is of a surplice or other vestment catching fire while being worn during a service with candles. In this case speed is of the essence: flames should be smothered, ideally with the fire blankets (there are two in the chancel pews, one in the pulpit, one on the north wall behind the new forward position of the choir pews, and one in the kitchen) but otherwise use whatever is to hand: jacket or overcoat, or buckets of water (which are to be in place whenever large numbers of hand-held candles are in use). This clearly takes priority over other aspects of the Fire Procedures.
  • If it is dark and lights have failed an emergency light is kept on the rearmost pew beside the amplifier.

On discovery of a fire on being the first to enter or about to enter the church when alone

  • Call the Fire Brigade immediately—you do not know how long the fire has been burning, and opening the doors may make the fire worse.
  • Depending where the fire is you may not be able to get to the phone in the choir vestry to call the brigade so use a mobile or ask one of the neighbours to ring.

Access to the church

Access in general:

  1. The PCC will review who has keys to the church building, and keep a register of them. Key-holders may not pass their keys to another person, though spouses or civil partners may be joint key-holders. Key-holders will pay a deposit of £10 and sign a form of agreement, which will serve as a receipt for the key; they will also be provided with an induction pack including information about the church, a plan of the church, and safety procedures.
  2. Anyone going into the church alone when it is otherwise empty must have access to a telephone (mobile or otherwise), and should keep the outer doors locked while they are in the building. If there is a problem with the building during the period of use, a user should phone either churchwarden or the vicar (see People).

Specific to keyboard practice:

  1. Anyone using the organ or piano must be a key-holder, and must have the written agreement of the Director of Music (writing to include email); they must also sign the form which sets out the conditions of use. This form must also be signed by a parent or guardian if the user is under 18. A list of those with an agreement to use either instrument will be kept in the vestry, so as to provide a quick reference if someone is playing the organ or grand piano and is thought to be unauthorized. Before such a person can use the organ or piano for the first time, they must be inducted into the use of the instrument and the church by the Director of Music, one of the clergy, a member of the Events Committee or another person nominated by any of such people. A risk assessment prepared by the PCC on the activity of keyboard practice will be kept on file.
  2. Anyone under 16 years of age practising the organ or grand piano must be accompanied in the church by an adult who will be held responsible for the security of the building and the well-being of the musician. An adult fulfilling this role must be a key-holder, and, if not already known to the church, must be approved by the relevant PCC committee before becoming a key-holder.
  3. Anyone aged 16 or 17 who wishes to use the church building for organ practice should be a key-holder and have a mobile telephone.
  4. No practice of the organ or grand piano is to take place before 7:30am or after 10:30pm.
  5. A user must not move any of the furniture of the church except as is necessary for their musical practice. Any furniture moved must be replaced according to the plan of the church provided.
  6. The organ will be kept locked and the key kept in the key-safe in the Lady Chapel. The organist will inform the user of the organ of the current combination to the key safe. The grand piano will be kept unlocked.
  7. Those using the organ must observe the following rules:

  1. They must not attempt to move the console unless the Director of Music or someone appointed by him is present to supervise
  2. They must not change piston settings without the permission of the Director of Music who will allocate specific channels to individuals on request
  3. They must always leave the swell pedal in the ‘open’ position at the end of their practice
  4. If a fault develops with the organ, they must report as soon as possible to the Director of Music.