ALL Saints Church in Westbury is looking for long-term financial support from the community due to a ‘constant struggle’ dealing with the upkeep of the grade 1 listed building.
Last year, after the discovery of rotten beams during work to repair the parapet gutter of the tower, the church launched a fundraiser in order to pay for the £77,000 repair bill.
One year on, and the church is still in need of a long-term donation plan to maintain Westbury’s oldest building.
Churchwarden, Beth Thomas said, “We are very grateful for the donations we received last year, most of which came through the article in the White Horse News, but we are in need of a longer term solution. The building is very old and the insurance alone is a staggering amount.
“We have 100 members on the church’s electoral role, however most of which are elderly or retired and may not be in the financial situation to help us. It is a constant struggle.
“We just want to get the message across that this building is for the whole community. You don’t need to be a Christian to use the facilities or be welcomed through the door. Throughout the year we hold a number of events which all are welcome to attend.
“Just recently we held events every day as part of the Westbury Festival, we have our Christmas tree festival coming up, as well as inviting schools and also those who choose to get married, buried and baptised here. It truly is a community space.
“Ultimately, if people want to see the building remain in the town then we all have a responsibility to help maintain it.
“It is open every day for people to visit, escape from the rain, say a silent prayer or for events; there are uses for all! We feel very strongly that it should be a space used by the wider community, but need the on-going support.
“Perhaps people could arrange monthly donations or write a cheque; all are very welcomed.
“It’s not just the story of All Saints Church, but churches across the country which is a huge shame. If Norwich can have a helter skelter at their church then the possibilities are endless! We are holding a scalextric afternoon in ours on Saturday 26th October!
“If you are in the position to offer long-term donations, or simply a one-off, then get in contact with the church via office@whtministry.org.uk, or donate to the justgiving page via https://www.justgiving.com/allsaintschurchwestbury.
“We hope to see many more new faces. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page ‘All Saints Church Westbury’ for upcoming events and news or visit our website www.whtministry.org.uk.”
