UPDATE ON RESTORATION PLANS: An extract from a bid application which starts with a quotation from the Visitors' Book. We think it sums up why we feel our fundraising is important; "an oasis of calm in a busy world..." We're lucky enough to be custodians of an ancient church in a stunningly beautiful location. St John's is the heart and soul of our village: visited in person and online by increasing numbers from afar and loved and cherished by local people, who visit the church to worship, celebrate and commemorate and support events in the newly-opened resource centre. We want to continue to share its journey from an early religious settlement on a busy river crossing to the special place it is today. Community support and hard work have taken us a long way, but the physical repair work to save the building is urgent. We want to deliver a project which celebrates the rich social history of this community, sharing its story with newcomers and securing a precious legacy for future generations.

York Archaeological Trust have cleaned and conserved the older of the two cross pieces at St John's and it's now been returned.

Members of the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches visited St John's today. They were impressed with the work done on the Old Laundry, but primarily interested in our plans for the church itself.

Work in progress as we continue to think about the repairs needed inside the church.

We will be welcoming Samantha Scott, Cumbria's High Sheriff on June 20th. She is visiting the Old Laundry to see our progress - we hope by then to have electricity, and possibly toilets.....