Another small village congregation is facing huge repair bills.
The Pioneer recently reported that St Lawrence, Stoak, had successfully completed work estimated at £134,000 to bring the grade two listed sandstone church back to its former glory.
Now, worshippers at St James The Great, Ince, another sandstone church which dates from the 15th century, have launched ambitious plans to save their grade two star listed historic building.
Essential restoration work is needed to the stonework and roof, which in recent months has also been the subject of numerous lead thefts resulting in further internal damage.
Following a successful bid to English Heritage, the vicar, the Rev Margaret Fletcher, says she is thrilled to receive news the church has been granted £40,000 towards the cost from English Heritage.
“The total cost of the repair work has been estimated at £95,000, leaving St James’s small congregation a very difficult task of raising £55,000 to match the funding,” she said.
The campaign was launched with a garden party raising £500 and a hog roast raising £680.
Fundraising is ongoing and the next event at the church is a flower festival from Friday, September 27, to Sunday, September 29, when the building will be beautifully decorated with the help of Wirral Flower Club.
The festival will be open between 10am and 5pm on the Friday and Saturday and on Sunday from 1pm to 4pm.
Special harvest services on the Sunday will see harvest thanksgiving for all the family at 10am and a harvest songs of praise at 6pm.
“We are hoping for many visitors who will be assured of a very warm welcome,” added the vicar, who has received an MBE for her community work.