The Beginning...

We have been looking for a building for some time to be able to develop some kind of community space. We have put a couple of bids in, with no success. We were then told about a derelict church, which we went and viewed, but felt it was out of our price range. When it didn’t sell at auction we were asked if we wanted to put in a lower offer, which we talked about, then - excitedly - settled on figure.

Which was rejected...

We were given an ultimatum about a final and best price, which included paying their solicitor fees! We were on holiday in Cowbridge at the time, and faffing around about the decision. As I was wandering around a shop with the family, I walked past the this card:

So we rang our solicitor and said we wanted to buy it!

He asked to see our business plan and finance projections to ensure we had enough money to pay off the debt for the project, making sure we realized there are holes in the roof and no windows. I said, so here’s the thing, we think God wants us to buy it, we’re not really sure what for, but we are trusting Him. He laughed…..and laughed, for what felt like at least a minute, before replying 'well send me the info over'! Seven days later (yes, only seven) we owned this:

which is a scary and exciting adventure!

However, we don’t feel alone. We have some amazing people walking on this journey with us. People we knew of, but have not actively sought out: we have just come together with our own different stories and journeys to get to this point. Someone is taking on a lead to set up, renovate and manage the project. Another has agreed to be a director of the social enterprise. Someone else is helping design a kitchen/café space, We have a great guy that is all things legal, financial, IT design and keeping us on the straight and narrow.

And the list just goes on!