We have now raised £10,314. Thank you to all those who have given so generously. The doors have now been ordered and should be installed in March/April. The final costings come to £16,500, so we still need to raise a further £6,000. If you would like to make a donation please pick up a leaflet at the back of church or click on the link below.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE

Launched November 2012

Honouring the Queen – Enhancing the Church

The Parish Church of St Mary with St Alban is one of the most historic buildings in Teddington, dating back to the sixteenth century in its present state and to the tenth century in previous constructions. It bears witness to the history of Teddington, each generation leaving their mark as they seek to enhance the church. The Jubilee Doors Appeal is an invitation to all who now reside in Teddington to do likewise.

Why are new doors needed?

This is not an appeal for new external doors which are all of great historical significance and must be preserved. The doors that need replacing are the internal doors between the porch and the nave.

Firstly, they have a green baize covering which is badly faded.

Secondly, they have warped so that they allow a considerable draught into the church, making it all the more expensive and difficult to heat.

Thirdly, they are not in keeping with the period style of the building.

The church also lacks a set of internal doors in the south porch and between the chancel and the vestry. Click here to view where the church doors would be located. This results in the sort of draught that regularly causes a twelve-inch candle to burn out in the space of an hour-long service! Doors through to the vestry are also needed to enhance the security of church valuables while the building is left open during the day for prayer.

What will the new doors look like?

The new doors will have glass panels in oak frames. Click here to view a drawing.

The doors in the south porch and vestry entrance will match the set at the main entrance. Click here to view the drawing.

How will they enhance the church?

Firstly, the doors will be expertly made using English Oak and toughened glass. They will be more visually attractive than the current green baize set and will be in keeping with the traditional style of the building.

Secondly, they will improve insulation, reducing our carbon footprint and heating costs, as well as allowing more light into the church.

Thirdly, they will provide visual access as people approach the church. Those who are tentative about coming into a church will be able to look before entering. Sidesmen who welcome people at the door will be better able to greet those who come late or who need assistance. Those who wander along the churchyard path might catch a glimpse of the building inside and discover for themselves the sense of peace and quiet that awaits them.

Lastly, it will improve our security, especially as the church is kept open for prayer during the day. The more people who look in, the greater the deterrent to thieves and vandals. On days when we need to keep the church locked, we will still be able to allow visitors to view the inside of the building from the porch.

What is the connection with the Jubilee?

Above the current set of internal doors at the west end of the nave is a very fine crest with the Royal Arms. This is unusual in that it includes Hanoverian details, a reminder that Queen Adelaide had a royal pew in the church and regularly attended services. This will remain in place but be lifted to the wall above the door frame (allowing a fan light to be installed just above the doors – click here to view a drawing).

It therefore seems fitting that the new west doors retain the link with royalty. To celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee it is intended that we install these new doors in her honour. The following simple dedication will be carved in the transum bar above the doors:

These doors were installed to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2012

We offer this as a way in which the residents of Teddington can express their gratitude for the Queen’s remarkable length of service and dedication and at the same time enhance our beautiful and historic church.

What is the cost?

Each set of doors will cost approximately £4,000. So for three sets of doors we need £12,000.

If the Appeal  is successful we hope to have the doors installed by June 2013 when we can dedicate them at a special service to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation.

How to give

We are grateful for all donations, however large or small.

Online donations can be made via https://mydonate.bt.com/events/jubileedoors.

Cheques can be made out to ‘St Mary with St Alban (Jubilee Doors Appeal)’ and sent to: The Parish Office, St Mary’s Parish Hall, Langham Road, Teddington, TW11 9HF.

There will also be a cash collection box at the back of church at Sunday services.

If you are a UK taxpayer then please complete a Gift Aid form and return with your cheque or cash donation, so that the church can claim an extra 25% in gift aid.

Download a Gift Aid form here.

Download a paper copy of the Jubilee Doors appeal leaflet here.