Our appeal to raise £250,000 is progressing well. We have already received some personal donations and there have been several highly successful fundraising events.
Back in February 2024 a group of us formed a small committee to organise a Fundraising Appeal. Our first action was to commission a video setting out the background and aims of the Appeal. This video is available to view on this website and on our Facebook page.
Since then there have been seven successful fundraising events which have now raised £74,500.These events include a Fashion Show, a Brass Band Concert, a Draw for a week's stay in a luxury villa in Portugal, a Harvest supper and a black tie Gala Dinner with a charity auction.
We have received a wonderfully crafted scale model of St Mary's Church made by a local craftsman. This has been painted by a local artist and will be displayed in the Church and at fundraising events. We are offering people the chance of sponsoring a roof tile for the model and their names will be recorded in a document to be displayed in the Church for posterity. This is proving a very good means of raising funds.
We have a number of ideas for fundraising events in 2025 including a Gardener's Question Time, an Antiques Roadshow, etc. Now that we can demonstrate that we have successfully raised considerable amounts through local community efforts, in 2025 we will also begin to apply to various grant-giving organisations for financial support.
We would like to say a massive "thank you" to all those who are helping us with our fundraising efforts.
STOP PRESS!
For many years, the cost of repairs and renovations for church buildings has been exempt from Value Added Tax. It is rumoured that this exemption might be removed by the Government in the near future. We have calculated that this would mean that we would have to raise an additional £50,000 or more for our renovations. We need your help! Please write to your MP about this issue