FOR the first time since 1851, St Wilfrid’s Church in Grappenhall is starting a building project which will make the ancient and much-loved church extended.
Rev. Jane Proudfoot recently joined the project’s archaeologist and builders to start off the clearing of the ground for the long-awaited annexe. It is planned that the annexe construction will be completed by Easter 2021.
Rev Jane Proudfoot said: “The annexe will provide much-needed facilities to enable us to extend our warm welcome to even more people of all ages. It will benefit the whole community and has widespread community support. Thank you to all the many people who are making this project come to fruition.”
Architect Mark Pearce added: “We are taking a lot of care to ensure that the annexe will fit snugly into the secluded north side of this Grade 1 listed building. Our specialist builders Grosvenor Construction have worked on church buildings from Chester to Prestbury. With this annexe we will be creating the needed modern facilities using traditional materials – sandstone, slate and oak, combining modern techniques for energy saving with ancient craft skills such as stone masonry.“
Councillor Ryan Bates said: “Excellent News, both residents and visitors to the Grappenhall Conservation Area can look forward to dropping into St Wilfrid’s to enjoy their welcoming
hospitality, in addition to finding out more about Grappenhall and its heritage. ”
Church Treasurer and Project Leader Charles Jesudason said: “The people of Grappenhall and some generous grant funders are responding magnificently to the challenge of funding this project which has been “on the agenda” for many years. The Covid emergency has made it even more obvious why we need modern facilities to ensure this 900-year-old building can continue to serve its people through into the 22nd century. I am delighted that we have used live streaming to help those who cannot visit St Wilfrid’s join with us online, but nothing can replace the experience of being with friends in this beautiful little church. We are now energetically fundraising for the Phase 2 Project which will improve the churchyard and access to the annexe, the church and the Scout campsite.”
For more details of how you can contribute see www.stwilfridschurch.org.uk.
