Brass Crosby Rooms   St.Martin's seeks to serve the Parishioners and wider community in the Chelsfield area. The Church was cut off from the village and rectory by the construction of the Orpington by-pass in the 1920's. The ancient church with its tranquil church yard attracts many visitors but lacks basic modern facilities. This was recognised in the early 1950's but due to a lack of funding was unable to make any progress. A Feasibility Study was completed and accepted by the PCC in 1999 for a small extension to the Northern corner of the existing church that will be harmonious to the existing building and churchyard. It is proposed that such an extension would be a valuable asset for both church and community use. The proposed extension comprises a meeting room, a toilet with baby changing and disabled facilities, choir vestry, kitchen and storage space. Such basic facilities are enjoyed by all other churches in our Deanery. The Design Stage for this extension commenced in June 2000 and outline plans were agreed. Preliminary Archaeological investigations took place in the vicinity of the proposed extension under the direction of English Heritage by Orpington & District Archaeological Society (ODAS) to whom we are indebted. The information obtained was required for consideration as part of the Planning Application. Planning Approval was granted by Bromley Council on the 10th July 2001. A presentation and an opportunity to discuss the project was made at an open meeting held in the Church on 27th September 2001. The meeting provided a mandate for the PCC to proceed with the project with 81% of those present at the meeting being in favour. The PCC gave agreement for the project to continue at a meeting held on 1st October 2001. The PCC gave agreement to continue with the detailed design stage on 22nd September 2005. The PCC gave final approval for the construction phase of the project on 18 May 2006 at a total project cost in the region of £400,000. The new facility is known as the Brass Crosby Room. Preliminary Archeological and enabling works were completed in May. Construction commenced in mid June 2006 and practical completion achieved on 20 February 2007. Formal opening and naming took place on Sunday 29 April 2007. This has been an opportunity for us to provide much needed modern facilities at the church. It is hoped and intended that these facilities will benefit not only church members but the community at large. For bookings to use the Crosby Rooms or the Parish Rooms click 'Bookings'   To return to the St.Martin Welcome page click 'Back'