Since the 1970s, the redundant 12th Century Church of St Nicholas has been used as a residential centre by youth groups from within and beyond the Diocese of St Albans. Despite its isolation, it occupies a magnificent and commanding position in a very attractive rural setting, overlooking meadows, the river, a nature reserve and a string of pretty stone villages.

In recent times, it was agreed that there was a need for the accommodation to be refurbished and for building renovations to be undertaken. This project, known as The Chellington Project, is already underway. A sum exceeding £1 million is required for its completion. The December/January edition of The Bridge Magazine reports on the scheme and its progress so far and the "First Sod Cutting Ceremony".

This feature section of our web site is intended to illustrate the first phase of the preliminary work showing photographs which were taken by the architects (Bruce Deacon Ltd) in October 2004.

Scraping of the existing drive has started.	Access to the overspill car park is being made
	Breaking out of the internal floor has commenced
	Works will include repointing of interior wall, repairs to windows. New extensions will include a meeting room, toilets and showers, boiler room and entrance hall. The refurbishment will include the kitchen, 6 bedroom/dorms, the activity area and the quiet area Full details of the project can be found on the web-site: www.chellington.org.uk

Donations can be made by contacting:
Appeal Office, The Chellington Project, Reach Out Projects, Diocesan Education Centre, Hall Grove, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire AL7 4PJ
Telephone: 01707 335968
E-mail: appeal@chellington.org.uk

The building work means that the site has been closed with regard to public access. The bridleway from the Felmersham Road follows the driveway and walkers will need to turn left before the church onto the footpath leading towards Carlton. Footpath maps will be displayed at either end of the site.

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