Barford St Michael's Community Effort Raises £249,851 for Historic Church Renovation

Strategic Insights -

The villagers of Barford St Michael embarked on a challenge in 2023 to raise £500,000 to transform their historic St Michael's Church into a functioning community facility. Through a series of music events, auctions, and support from various charities and organizations, they have successfully collected £249,851 towards the renovation of their Grade II listed church. The funds will primarily be allocated to replace the church's old roof and repair its damaged outer stonework, which has been on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register due to its leaking roof and deteriorating condition.

Key Takeaways:

  • The villagers of Barford St Michael have raised £249,851 towards the renovation of their historic St Michael's Church, with a goal of raising a total of £500,000.
  • The funds collected will go towards replacing the church's old roof and repairing its badly weathered stonework, which has been on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register since its condition was deemed to be 'facing slow decay'.
  • The church has received support from various organizations, including the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, William Delafield Charitable Trust, Gladiator Trust, Banbury Charities, and the National Churches Trust, which has granted the church £35,000.
  • The villagers aim to raise an additional £250,000 to improve the church's facilities, including installing a new toilet, basic kitchen, updated lighting, heating, and underground drainage.
  • The renovation of the church will enable it to serve the community as a venue, in addition to its primary use for religious celebrations and prayer.
  • The spokesperson for the fundraising effort emphasizes that the additions will extend the church's use and value to the community, making it a valuable community resource.

Statistics:

  • £249,851 - The amount raised towards the church renovation as of the present time.
  • £35,000 - Grant received from the National Churches Trust.
  • £500,000 - The initial target for the church renovation challenge.
  • £250,000 - The additional amount required to improve the church's facilities.
  • £1 - The goal of making the church serve the community as a venue, in addition to its primary use for religious celebrations and prayer.

Sources:

  • [No specific source mentioned in the original text.]