Renovation and Restoration
Led by the indefatigable Mrs. Monica Cope our longest serving Trustee, St John’s Trustees in September 2020 agreed that the interior of the church should be redecorated.
Brown and Earnshaw Decorators Ltd of Derby were commissioned to carry out the work. This commission came after much discussion between friends of the church about a contemporary colour scheme to replace the exhausted browns on the walls and the too deep blues on the domed ceiling that seemed to obliterate its celestial constellation of gold stars.
The decision was to lighten the mood of the church interior. White walls, white pillars and a sky blue ceiling flecked with gold stars now give the church interior an airy and relaxed atmosphere for prayer and reflection. Brown and Earnshaw recommended and applied restoration and paint materials appropriate to work on our Grade 2* listed church building.
The work was completed in December 2020. It is an achievement we are proud of no least because it is an investment in a future for the church as a place of worship and as an hospitable venue for concerts and events. Our church restoration also forms part of our celebration of the church’s 150th anniversary.
Shortly after Covid restrictions were eased, Trustees agreed to continue to review work needed to maintain our church building. Members of the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust have twice visited the church over recent years. We are extremely grateful to them for their time, advice and guidance on matters of church repair and maintenance.