Westbury Parish Church roof project co-ordinators Caroline Dunseath and John Prince
A CHURCH is calling for the community's help as it aims to reach a £240,000 target to pay for much-needed restoration work.
A survey of Westbury Parish Church in Church Lane, in 2004 identified repairs were needed to the tower masonry, roof and upper windows, which at the time was estimated to cost upwards of £200,000.
The church received a grant from English Heritage for £128,000 but they still needed to raise a further £100,000.
So the church launched their 1,000 good and true campaign, which sought 1,000 people to donate £20 a year for five years to raise the £100,000 they needed, but they are still £5,000 short of their target.
Churchwarden and organiser of the restoration appeal Caroline Dunseath, 64, from Alfred Street, Westbury, said: "The campaign has been fairly successful. A lot of people paid £100 up front, which was really helpful.
"The work is all done on the roof, which eventually cost £240,000 in total, but we still need to find £5,000 more.
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"We understand that a lot of people in Westbury haven't got a great deal of money so we felt if we asked for £20 over five years that isn't too daunting.
"People can gift aid their donations too so we can raise more money.
"With a church like this there are always things that need doing. The windows need more maintenance because a lot of the grills have rusted so I'm trying to get the money for new grills and I am replacing the worst ones first.
"On a Sunday service there can be between 80 to 100 people in the church. We also have a service on a Wednesday as well as numerous baptisms, marriages and unfortunately funerals, so the church is in constant use.
"It's a beautiful church and it is always full with lots of lovely people."
John Prince, 64, who is the parish administrator and parochial church council treasurer, said: "We couldn't have done all the restoration work without the English Heritage grant.
"There were a lot of people that helped out. I helped to collect the money and made sure we had enough funds to cover the bills."
Mr Prince has been going to the church for more than 30 years and has been the administrator for 14 years.
All Saints Parish Church has stood in the heart of the town for 600 years.
Four churches share the building - All Saints Westbury, Holy Saviour Westbury Leigh, Holy Trinity Dilton Marsh and All Saints Brokerswood.
Posted by: sally beenwell, westbury on 6:30pm Tue 13 May 08
Well I must say i am very impressed Sarah That is a very kind gesture indeed. You are a true christian and an example for the rest of us to follow. I hope now that Cllr Hawker will also be inspired to follow your lead. Again Well Done Sarah we are all proud of you.
Well I must say i am very impressed Sarah That is a very kind gesture indeed. You are a true christian and an example for the rest of us to follow. I hope now that Cllr Hawker will also be inspired to follow your lead. Again Well Done Sarah we are all proud of you.
Posted by: Necker, Trowbridge on 10:56am Wed 14 May 08
Why don’t all the churches get together and help each other?
There is another story this week about a church raising money for an Indian Orphanage. This is the country, community & people you represent, is it not? If not, pick that church up and move it to India!
It seems blatantly obvious that the churches should start with charity at home if ‘Christians’ in this country need it first and foremost. One minute it’s moans about dwindling congregations and ancient churches falling into disrepair requiring cash injections, the next moment it’s collections to save anything outside this nations borders.
In relation to the other story, I would say that India is in a stronger economic position than this country at this time and in a position itself to deal with its own issues along with many other countries that should now be taking on the financial burdens we have borne for so long.
Concentrate here not way over there, what’s wrong with the current mindset?
No wonder no-one goes to church; you seem to have no commitment to the things that are ‘community’ any more. Blinded by the need to help the world means you’re blinkered with the concerns that really matter at this time, your churches, faiths and flocks in this country. It’s not just churches either it’s the mentality that’s been sewn into us through the media and PC brigade that somehow we are responsible for all strife no matter where it is, unless it is at ‘home’ then it’s brushed under the carpet of unimportance that too many are prepared to stand on.
I’m sure some will dispute this, but why should ‘the community’, through grants and handouts, bail you out then a few months down the line you ask for money for far flung causes?
It’s madness.
However I hope you get the funding needed and that all churches concentrate a little closer to home next time they decide on worthy charitable events unlike the other church in the headlines this week.
Why don’t all the churches get together and help each other?
There is another story this week about a church raising money for an Indian Orphanage. This is the country, community & people you represent, is it not? If not, pick that church up and move it to India!
It seems blatantly obvious that the churches should start with charity at home if ‘Christians’ in this country need it first and foremost. One minute it’s moans about dwindling congregations and ancient churches falling into disrepair requiring cash injections, the next moment it’s collections to save anything outside this nations borders.
In relation to the other story, I would say that India is in a stronger economic position than this country at this time and in a position itself to deal with its own issues along with many other countries that should now be taking on the financial burdens we have borne for so long.
Concentrate here not way over there, what’s wrong with the current mindset?
No wonder no-one goes to church; you seem to have no commitment to the things that are ‘community’ any more. Blinded by the need to help the world means you’re blinkered with the concerns that really matter at this time, your churches, faiths and flocks in this country. It’s not just churches either it’s the mentality that’s been sewn into us through the media and PC brigade that somehow we are responsible for all strife no matter where it is, unless it is at ‘home’ then it’s brushed under the carpet of unimportance that too many are prepared to stand on.
I’m sure some will dispute this, but why should ‘the community’, through grants and handouts, bail you out then a few months down the line you ask for money for far flung causes?
It’s madness.
However I hope you get the funding needed and that all churches concentrate a little closer to home next time they decide on worthy charitable events unlike the other church in the headlines this week.
Posted by: sally beenwell, westbury on 1:42pm Wed 14 May 08
[quote][bold]Necker[/bold] wrote:
Why don’t all the churches get together and help each other? There is another story this week about a church raising money for an Indian Orphanage. This is the country, community & people you represent, is it not? If not, pick that church up and move it to India! It seems blatantly obvious that the churches should start with charity at home if ‘Christians’ in this country need it first and foremost. One minute it’s moans about dwindling congregations and ancient churches falling into disrepair requiring cash injections, the next moment it’s collections to save anything outside this nations borders. In relation to the other story, I would say that India is in a stronger economic position than this country at this time and in a position itself to deal with its own issues along with many other countries that should now be taking on the financial burdens we have borne for so long. Concentrate here not way over there, what’s wrong with the current mindset? No wonder no-one goes to church; you seem to have no commitment to the things that are ‘community’ any more. Blinded by the need to help the world means you’re blinkered with the concerns that really matter at this time, your churches, faiths and flocks in this country. It’s not just churches either it’s the mentality that’s been sewn into us through the media and PC brigade that somehow we are responsible for all strife no matter where it is, unless it is at ‘home’ then it’s brushed under the carpet of unimportance that too many are prepared to stand on. I’m sure some will dispute this, but why should ‘the community’, through grants and handouts, bail you out then a few months down the line you ask for money for far flung causes? It’s madness. However I hope you get the funding needed and that all churches concentrate a little closer to home next time they decide on worthy charitable events unlike the other church in the headlines this week. [/quote] Whilst i would agree with most of what you have said, I still think that is comforting to know that people Like Sara Jane Newbury Who in her case has offered a donation of £10,000 is a most heart warming act of generousity Sarah Jane is most famouse for her love of Christianity and her Virginity but she has clearly shown here that she is prepared to to actually show an act of Christianity and not just preach it. I would dare say that the church in question would echo my sentiments. WEll DONE SARA JANE NEWBURY
Necker wrote:
Why don’t all the churches get together and help each other? There is another story this week about a church raising money for an Indian Orphanage. This is the country, community & people you represent, is it not? If not, pick that church up and move it to India! It seems blatantly obvious that the churches should start with charity at home if ‘Christians’ in this country need it first and foremost. One minute it’s moans about dwindling congregations and ancient churches falling into disrepair requiring cash injections, the next moment it’s collections to save anything outside this nations borders. In relation to the other story, I would say that India is in a stronger economic position than this country at this time and in a position itself to deal with its own issues along with many other countries that should now be taking on the financial burdens we have borne for so long. Concentrate here not way over there, what’s wrong with the current mindset? No wonder no-one goes to church; you seem to have no commitment to the things that are ‘community’ any more. Blinded by the need to help the world means you’re blinkered with the concerns that really matter at this time, your churches, faiths and flocks in this country. It’s not just churches either it’s the mentality that’s been sewn into us through the media and PC brigade that somehow we are responsible for all strife no matter where it is, unless it is at ‘home’ then it’s brushed under the carpet of unimportance that too many are prepared to stand on. I’m sure some will dispute this, but why should ‘the community’, through grants and handouts, bail you out then a few months down the line you ask for money for far flung causes? It’s madness. However I hope you get the funding needed and that all churches concentrate a little closer to home next time they decide on worthy charitable events unlike the other church in the headlines this week.
Whilst i would agree with most of what you have said, I still think that is comforting to know that people Like Sara Jane Newbury Who in her case has offered a donation of £10,000 is a most heart warming act of generousity Sarah Jane is most famouse for her love of Christianity and her Virginity but she has clearly shown here that she is prepared to to actually show an act of Christianity and not just preach it. I would dare say that the church in question would echo my sentiments. WEll DONE SARA JANE NEWBURY
Posted by: sally beenwell, westbury on 2:04pm Wed 14 May 08
[quote][bold]Necker[/bold] wrote:
Why don’t all the churches get together and help each other? There is another story this week about a church raising money for an Indian Orphanage. This is the country, community & people you represent, is it not? If not, pick that church up and move it to India! It seems blatantly obvious that the churches should start with charity at home if ‘Christians’ in this country need it first and foremost. One minute it’s moans about dwindling congregations and ancient churches falling into disrepair requiring cash injections, the next moment it’s collections to save anything outside this nations borders. In relation to the other story, I would say that India is in a stronger economic position than this country at this time and in a position itself to deal with its own issues along with many other countries that should now be taking on the financial burdens we have borne for so long. Concentrate here not way over there, what’s wrong with the current mindset? No wonder no-one goes to church; you seem to have no commitment to the things that are ‘community’ any more. Blinded by the need to help the world means you’re blinkered with the concerns that really matter at this time, your churches, faiths and flocks in this country. It’s not just churches either it’s the mentality that’s been sewn into us through the media and PC brigade that somehow we are responsible for all strife no matter where it is, unless it is at ‘home’ then it’s brushed under the carpet of unimportance that too many are prepared to stand on. I’m sure some will dispute this, but why should ‘the community’, through grants and handouts, bail you out then a few months down the line you ask for money for far flung causes? It’s madness. However I hope you get the funding needed and that all churches concentrate a little closer to home next time they decide on worthy charitable events unlike the other church in the headlines this week. [/quote] whilst I would agree with most of what you say. I still think that it is a very heart warming act of generousity by Sarah Jane Newbury to offer a donation of £10,000 and i for one applaud her. Sarah Jane is most famouse for her Christian life style and virginity but rarely do you see people that preach a christian faith actully do practice it.It is very clear here that Sarah Jane is by this act of generousity prepared to put her money where her mouth is. I say well done Sarah Jane Newbury. And i hope that she recieves some kind of recognition for her kindness Perhaps Wiltshire Times would like to Publicly Thank Her and insire others to share their wealth for a worthy cause.
Necker wrote:
Why don’t all the churches get together and help each other? There is another story this week about a church raising money for an Indian Orphanage. This is the country, community & people you represent, is it not? If not, pick that church up and move it to India! It seems blatantly obvious that the churches should start with charity at home if ‘Christians’ in this country need it first and foremost. One minute it’s moans about dwindling congregations and ancient churches falling into disrepair requiring cash injections, the next moment it’s collections to save anything outside this nations borders. In relation to the other story, I would say that India is in a stronger economic position than this country at this time and in a position itself to deal with its own issues along with many other countries that should now be taking on the financial burdens we have borne for so long. Concentrate here not way over there, what’s wrong with the current mindset? No wonder no-one goes to church; you seem to have no commitment to the things that are ‘community’ any more. Blinded by the need to help the world means you’re blinkered with the concerns that really matter at this time, your churches, faiths and flocks in this country. It’s not just churches either it’s the mentality that’s been sewn into us through the media and PC brigade that somehow we are responsible for all strife no matter where it is, unless it is at ‘home’ then it’s brushed under the carpet of unimportance that too many are prepared to stand on. I’m sure some will dispute this, but why should ‘the community’, through grants and handouts, bail you out then a few months down the line you ask for money for far flung causes? It’s madness. However I hope you get the funding needed and that all churches concentrate a little closer to home next time they decide on worthy charitable events unlike the other church in the headlines this week.
whilst I would agree with most of what you say. I still think that it is a very heart warming act of generousity by Sarah Jane Newbury to offer a donation of £10,000 and i for one applaud her. Sarah Jane is most famouse for her Christian life style and virginity but rarely do you see people that preach a christian faith actully do practice it.It is very clear here that Sarah Jane is by this act of generousity prepared to put her money where her mouth is. I say well done Sarah Jane Newbury. And i hope that she recieves some kind of recognition for her kindness Perhaps Wiltshire Times would like to Publicly Thank Her and insire others to share their wealth for a worthy cause.
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