As one contribution to the costs of the transformation project, keen local photographer Mike Webber has been providing slide shows for local organisations. In 2019 well over £2,000 was raised, and over £11,000 since the shows started. 

Vicar, the Rev Helen Bailey commented, “The funds from the slide shows are a valuable contribution to the cost of the new building. Our existing parish hall is already well-used by local organisations and families – we are often booked to capacity, to the extent that we struggle to book in our own events. Our proposed extension has been sensitively designed and will enable us to offer a fabulous new space for all sorts of community groups and functions as well as allow us to improve the church’s service to the people of Broadstone.”

Mike Webber said, “I enjoy taking photos and offering slide shows seemed like a good way of raising a few pounds for the church. The shows have proved far more popular than I anticipated with 50 being given this year alone, many of them being repeat bookings from groups I’ve gone to in recent years. 

“The shows all reflect my interests – Dorset landmarks, overseas travel, gardening and steam railways.”

A full list of the shows can be found on the St John’s church website, www.stjohnschurchbroadstone.org.uk/