After many years of effort, new industries and fast population growth are creating new opportunities for the Island. There are many new challenges for Newport and especially for the Island's premier Church. Because most roads meet at the Island's centre, Islanders and visitors constantly pass Newport Minster and walk through the busy St Thomas's Square.

The Minster plays a leading role in celebrations of worship and of memorials, christenings, weddings and funerals, the great events of civic and family life. It is a centre for prayer, for pastoral care and cultural activity. The growing numbers of visitors to the church and to the new parish website reflects a much wider need. The Minster is uniquely well placed to serve the needs of every age group in the growing Island community. Although the Church building is in constant use, specific improvements and renewals are needed to enable it to respond more effectively.

As our Patron, HRH The Earl of Wessex, said in his letter of support in our brochure

"The Renewal of Newport Minster is a most aptly named Campaign. The aim is not just to renew the fabric of the building, but also its heritage, its role in the life of the Island, and its service to the community.

The Minster Church of Sts Thomas is situated in the centre of Newport in the middle of the Isle of Wight, but many take its place and its role for granted. Few are aware of its links with the Crown, in particular King Charles I, Prince Albert the Prince Consort, and Lord Mountbatten of Burma. Few, perhaps, are aware of its civic role. This Campaign is about renewing people's perception of this Church as being at the heart of the Island.

Ultimately it is the vision for the future contribution the Church can make to the Isle of Wight which impresses me most. The funds raised through this Campaign will lay the foundation for a place that will enrich the lives of all of us who are fortunate enough to live and work in - as well as visit - the Island and its capital."

The vision

• To link the history of the building and the display of its treasures with the English Heritage sites of the Island e.g. Carisbrooke Castle, Osborne House and Whippingham Parish Church.
• To provide the County Town of Newport with a suitable location for civic events. (These events will be religious and secular e.g. civic ceremonies; Remembrance Sunday activities; events that mark the beginning of the Law Year; public debates/consultations).
• To provide Newport with a greatly enhanced 'public' space for concerts, exhibitions and other community activities. (The Minster is the only large public building in Newport that has the capacity to be able to provide sufficient space for large-scale events).
• To be a place that offers support and ministry to both tourists and townsfolk. (Office space will be created to provide space for a counselling ministry; facilities will be provided to explain and display local history). To provide a working base for a multi-disciplinary approach to the pastoral needs of the town centre e.g. youth ministry; industrial and commercial chaplaincy; support of the elderly.
• To be a place of quiet and refreshment in a busy and noisy world. (The Minster will be opened and staffed throughout every day in order to be available to anyone in need).
• To be a place where worship can be offered in reverence and joy. (Internal re-ordering of present furnishings will enable a more flexible approach).

Practicalities

To create a building that is dry, safe and fit for its purpose the following work is required:

The Church Exterior

• Complete urgent work to arrest penetrating damp
• Repair decaying masonry
• Conserve threatened stained glass windows

In the Church

• Princess Elizabeth Memorial
• Conservation
• Improvement of visitor information
• Lighting - create more flexible, more sympathetic spaces
• Walls - complete internal redecoration
• Flooring - level and re-tile to allow more imaginative use of space
• Open space - create exhibition, meeting and bookstall areas
• West end - create catering and washroom facilities
• Church and civic treasures - create secure public displays