Village meeting to discuss the future of St. James’ Church
Everyone should be aware that, like many churches in the country, Wigmore Church is struggling to survive. Thanks to the unrelenting work of a small band of villagers who clean, look after, arrange flowers, wind the clock and fund-raise, the church is currently open every day to visitors and has regular services. BUT this is unsustainable.
Income just about covers the insurance but not all of the other bills.
This building is of huge national and historic significance and is, of course, of great importance to the village. A small group of villagers have formed a Community Interest Company (like the shop!) with the aim of raising substantial funds to totally renovate the church and make it ‘user-friendly’. The re-fit would include heating, loos, kitchen, screen, sound, projection and IT kit. So the church would have state-of-the-art facilities and be self-supporting by selling tickets to functions and having space for hire. A few local jobs would also be provided and of course, business for our local businesses. The church would still remain a place of worship.
We have the full support of English Heritage who would like us to include the castle in our plans and develop a WIGMORE HERITAGE SITE. They are going to advise on how the pathways to the castle can be improved. The Church is also very enthusiastic and these works will make the building far more comfortable for everyone.
So have your say — what do you think? How should it be used? What should it be called? What about a logo? What activities would you like to see? Can you help?
PLEASE COME TO THE MEETING — THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR WIGMORE
