A MAJOR £50,000 bid to remove, renovate and repair a huge window at a Bengeworth church has begun thanks to donations from the local community and beyond.
Scaffolders arrived on site at St Peter’s Church yesterday (Thursday) to begin the four month job of breathing new life into the landmark Port Street church’s east window.
Church bosses were forced to remove a panel from the window in 2017, because it had slipped and the panel was put into storage for safekeeping.
The window was then inspected, revealing considerable work was needed to repair and renovate the whole window.
A two-year fund-raising bid was then launched to raise the five figure sum and kick off their repairs which should see the window back in place by the autumn to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Members of the church congregation raised more than £8,000 towards the £50k costs while church bosses also dipped into the landmark’s coffers to add more money to the pot.
A donation was also provided by the John Martin Charity and the project realised its target when the Allchurches Trust came up with £1,650 towards the work.
The trust is one of the UK’s largest grant-making charities and gave £15.6million to churches, charities and communities in 2017. Its funds come from its ownership of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group
St Peter’s serves a growing population to the east of the Avon with two services every Sunday and a weekday service.
The church is also used by two local schools and by a local parent and toddler group.
Alongside weddings, baptisms and funerals, St. Peter’s also provides a good space as a concert venue while its garden has won awards.
A church spokesperson said: “The east window was installed when the church was built in 1872 and it is good to know we can now conserve and secure it so that it can be appreciated by the thousands of people who are in St. Peter’s each year.
“It has taken two years to gather the funds together but we can now start the project. It’s good to know it is safe and can be enjoyed for decades to come.
Applications are welcomed from all parts of the UK and Ireland, particularly from areas of social and economic deprivation.
Follow Allchurches Trust on Facebook and Twitter @AllchurchesT or visit www.allchurchestrust.co.uk for more.
Visit www.bengeworthchurch.co.uk for more.
