HISTORIC St Wilfrid’s Church, Grappenhall is looking to the community to help keep it in an attractive condition.
During the past few years parishioners have raised more than £312,000 on maintenance of the building.
But further work is needed, and so they are looking to the community to join a new group, The Friends of St Wilfrid’s Church, to help.
The church is the focal point of the village and is historically important as a place of worship has been on the site since at least the 12th century.
Rector Malcolm Kelly said: “The building has changed a great deal over the years. For 400 years the original Norman church stood with the small Boydell Chapel adjoining it.”
But changes came in the 16th century and There were extensions in 1850 and 1851, and restoration work in 1873 and 1874.
Rev Kelly said: “There are many interesting features inside the church, including the stained glass windows, the Saxon font, 14th century stoup, 12th century parish chest, the oak pulpit, carved oak reredos depicting the Last Supper, the Boydell Effigy (c1277) and the painted Royal Coat of Arms of Queen Anne.”
Parishioners had decided it would be difficult for the congregation to meet maintenance costs and so were seeking support from the community, organisations and businesses.
Rev Kelly said: “The time has come to approach the wider community for help by launching a ‘Friends’ scheme.”
The Friends would help ensure the church was maintained and remained a warm and welcoming place of worship and raise funds for restoration work and additional facilities.
Rev Kelly said: “Renewal of the church bells and the bellframe is contemplated, together with repairs to paths around the church and an overhaul of the church organ.”
“Friends” will receive invitations to special social events, newsletters and information on church activities. They will also have a “sense of involvement” in achievements made possible by the group.
Anyone interested in joining the Friends can find out more information from The Secretary, The Friends of St Wilfrid’s Church, Clay Bank Farm, Broad Lane, Grappenhall, WA4 3ER, or by visiting the website www.stwilfridschurch.org.uk
HISTORIC St Wilfrid's Church, Grappenhall is looking to the community to help keep it in an attractive condition.
Historic church seeks community help
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
