Nantwich Memories: St Mary's Church launches ã1m renovation appeal
MOMENTUM is gathering in the ã1m appeal to restore and renovate St Mary's Church, Nantwich.
The town centre church, which is a Grade One listed building, is Nantwich's most famous landmark, attracting around 50,000 visitors from all over the world every year. It is often referred to as the 'cathedral of South Cheshire'.
Work on restoring the main west entrance of the church is nearing completion.
But now a new target has been identified with the ambitious appeal - backed by the Chronicle - launched earlier this month at a special lunchtime concert which raised ã600.
On Sunday, assistant organist Jonathan Layfield tried to shaved off some of the total by having his own head shorn.
He played at the 9.30am service and asked members of the St Mary's congregation to sponsor him. It was also a way to support his wife Vanessa, who is undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
Rector of Nantwich, the Rev Peter Chantry was given the honour of using the clippers. He said: "Both Vanessa and Jonathan sing in our church choir and together they dreamed up this gesture of love and solidarity.
"I think it's a wonderful way of facing adversity with boldness and a generous spirit."
The St Mary's committee wants to install new toilets and a kitchen to bring the 600-year-old church into the 21st century.
Members also hope to replace the church lighting, renovate the organ and restore its historical and unique misericords.
Mr Chantry said: "We are already having a lot of fun in dreaming up and putting into practice all kinds of ideas.
"This week a dinner party and a bridge drive have raised over ã300 between them.
"Trying to raise a ã1m is a ridiculous undertaking but if enough people get involved then who knows what can be achieved."
The rector will be offering free samples of his 'Restoration Chocolate Cake' at a coffee morning at the Parish Hall tomorrow (Thursday) from 9.30am-noon, with people invited to purchase a wipe clean recipe card in aid of the appeal.
Meanwhile, walkers are invited to take on the St Mary's Challenge - to walk between the three St Mary's churches at Acton, Nantwich and Wistaston on September 12.
Anyone wishing to sign up for the walk can phone the parish office on 01270 625268.
To pledge your support and suggest more fundraising ideas, phone Rev Chantry on 01270 629443.
Facts about St Mary's Church
The first building on the site of St Mary's Church was a chapel of ease for the parish of Acton.
Work on the building of St Mary's began around 1340.
The church was briefly used as a prison for Royalists captured at the battles of Nantwich and Preston during the Civil War.
In the 19th century Sir George Gilbert Scott was brought in to direct an extensive restoration of the church.
Major work was carried out on the church in 1878, under the direction of local architect Thomas Bower, when the south porch was restored at a cost of ã900.
In the 1960s, the church was hit by death-watch beetle in woodwork in the building which necessitated a major appeal.
A ã600,000 appeal was launched in 2003 for urgent restoration to the main west frontage, which will be completed soon.
A new ã1m appeal was launched this month for major restoration to church lighting, the organ, and to install new toilets and a kitchen.
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