With less than a week to go of the online campaign, let's get this fundraising off to a healthy start. More fundraising events planned!
The Church Council asks for support from organisations and individuals from far and wide
The Vicar, Rev Ian Parker explained,
“St Mary’s Church in Ennerdale Bridge dates back to the 16th Century.
The ancient wall around the church is falling into disrepair and we have to try to mend it. The wall has been damaged by tree and plant growth over the years and we are already carrying out tree surgery costing several thousands of pounds to remedy that problem. Now we have to tackle the much larger problem or repairing the wall itself.”.
“ We appreciate that, at this time with Covid affecting so many, that it’s not a good time to ask people to give money. Many people’s income has simply dried up and we are not asking them for financial support. However, if you have suffered less, this is a really important heritage project and your contribution would be greatly appreciated”.
St Mary’s church represents part of the heritage of Ennerdale
and West Cumbria.
Its charm was evoked in a poem by local poet, William Wordsworth.
In it he wrote:
“Thus spake the homely Priest of Ennerdale.
It was a July evening, and he sates
Upon the long stone seat beneath the eaves
Of his old cottage …. Towards the field
In which the Parish Chapel stood alone,
Girt round with a bare ring of mossy wall…”
William Wordsworth, (7 April 1770– 23 April 1850) “The Brothers”
It is that very “mossy wall” that is now in a state of collapse and it will cost almost £60,000 to repair. That is far beyond the means of the local church, parishioners and the community and that is why they need help.
The Vicar, Rev Ian Parker said,
“Ennerdale hosts many visitors. They visit on day trips, or come for longer holidays; we are at the end of the first day of the Wainwright Coast-to-coast walk and have upwards of 25,000 people a year passing through our village. They stay in the local B&B accommodation or rent holiday homes, and for many of them, the charm of St Mary’s is part of the pleasure they get. We hope that people across the UK and beyond will respond to this very worthy cause and help us to support this heritage project. If you live away, come back and visit Ennerdale and see witness that your generosity has achieved”.
Would you please help by making a donation, no matter how big or small, to assist us in this responsibility. You will be sustaining local heritage not just putting another brick in the wall.
Please click the link to see the video and to appreciate how much you could help.
This project successfully funded on 17th May 2021