Hope Church has been part of the community since 1843 and for many in the area has been the setting for life events including baptisms, wedding and funerals. It has been supported by local people including churchwardens who have given many years of service.

It still has a very small congregation who meet and worship regularly together and are joined by others at different times such as Easter, Christmas and Remembrance Sunday. Our current minister Fran Brealey is well known in the community and provides support for individuals and groups.

But the Church is currently facing a major challenge. A recent inspection identified that the building requires a considerable amount of work to carry out repairs and other works to ensure that it remains in suitable condition to continue to serve its community. The need for repairs has been caused by a combination of age and its location where nature thrives! It is estimated that the works required will cost in the region of £70000 to include items such as scaffolding to carry roof and stonework repairs and removing years of greenery that is taking hold.

Members of the church are willing to embark on the required fundraising to ensure that the building can be preserved for the forseeable future to continue to serve the needs of local people.

But we do have a question for local people. Do you still want or see a need for the Church building and would you be willing to support us in our efforts? This might involve attending events that we plan to hold (community events, quizzes, Open Days), passing on details of our campaign to those who may have moved from the area but have a connection and perhaps even pledging or donating to our efforts.

We know that we shall have to concentrate our efforts on raising funds through bids to grant-making bodies and other organisations but it would be a great boost to our submissions if we could show that you, the local community are behind us and we have your support.

We are organising a public event on Tuesday 29th April at the Village Hall where we shall explain in detail the work to be undertaken and give an outline of our plans for how we hope to raise the money. Everyone is welcome to attend (refreshments available) to ask questions, make suggestions or just show that you want the Church to still remain as an integral part of Hope.