Following a high profile request commencing January 2009 for suitable names the following best candidate has been nominated by both Churches:

"Windhill Churches' Centre"

- remember it has to suit both churches' traditions
- " A rose by any other name would smell as sweet " William Shakespeare

It was August 2008 when the initial request for 'requirements' of the planned New Parish Centre was sent out to all the parish organisations. The feedback was used by the Architect to help design the new building.

This was refined with further input based on past records of usage and anticipated needs of the parish also drawing on the experience of other Catholic parishes in England.

Fine tuning of the building's design and finish also reflects a realistic budget based on a sustainable amenity for the communities of both St. Joseph's and St. Michael's, both of whom enjoy an equal floor space, access and associated maintenance responsibility.

When our New Parish Centre is formally opened next summer our intention is to have it ready to cater for the needs of a parish in the 21st century.

The builders will have left and the decorators too, though there will be plenty of little jobs in need of willing hands. For instance fitting of window blinds, erecting shelving and storage equipment. Help will also be needed for installing PC technology and audio equipment, and testing. The kitchen will largely be prepared by fitters, though some effort will be needed there as well.

Deliveries of equipment such as tables, chairs will need help receiving, checking and moving to storage areas, all at varying times of the day (and evening) and week. If you feel you can contribute in some way please watch out for a Form in the information section at the rear of the church and register your 'enthusiasm' ! If you have any specialist skills not necessarily covered in the above please tick the box and someone will call to discuss.

The new centre has a Joint Management Committee with representatives from both St. Joseph's and St. Michael's parishes. Its main purpose is with the maintenance and running of the main fabric of the building and communal areas and surrounding land (there is no parking space).

St. Josephs will share a common policy on usage of the facilities (with St. Michaels) and have direct control of its own hall, storage and meeting rooms. It is likely that both Parishes will occasionally use each others’ facilities as well as participate in combined functions.

St. Joseph’s' rooms and resources will be available for booking by parish groups, parishioners and other qualifying organisations. For the foreseeable future these will not be available for commercial or unrelated private functions.

Realtime bookings of resources will be possible by registered users via the Parish Web Site (www.catholicstortford.org) almost 24/7 to encourage usage. Those without internet access, including non-registered users, will be able to make bookings via telephone, during normal office hours.

A Hall which can accommodate a small stage (storable) at one end for music/drama. It has the potential for movable/partition wall later. Equipped with Audio/Visual equipment which can be configured according to seating arrangements. Loop systems are also included, as will be stage lighting ceiling mounts.

A storeroom which can also function as a temporary bar serving point. A modest amount of bulky light items can be stored by arrangement, as well as folding stage system, tables/chairs and - potentially - BBQ equipment !

The Kitchen will be equipped with fitted units cooker ovens & hobs, commercial dishwasher, modest size fridge/freezer for one off occasions. Extractors and conform to current Health & Safety requirements. Groups must make arrangements for disposal of rubbish including disposable nappies etc..

Underfloor heating, controlled by the booking system. Passivent air circulation.

A lift is available to First Floor and for the cloister ramp to St. Michael's gate.

A small office will provide essential equipment for Parish Organisations and volunteers to prepare media, guillotine, copy, bind etc. Internet access and modest locker storage for Group files and own media stock.

Two further rooms with a movable partition for larger meeting, both equipped with audio/visual for presentations, Group discussions and possible video streaming link to the internet. One of these rooms is designated Youth and Knowledge Centre and will enable homework clubs with controlled internet access, as well has contain a media library (books, CD/DVD etc) for appropriate subjects not easily obtained through the lending libraries. Mains water dispenser for potable water.

Two storage rooms – one for bulky musical instruments, the other for chairs/tables/parish event equipment.