A FUNDRAISING draw, offering fabulous prizes including stays at holiday accommodation in the UK and South Africa, has been launched to help raise cash for urgent repairs and improvements to an historic dale village church.
St Michael and All Angels Church in Barningham is badly in need of repair.
The tower roof needs re-leading and the cast iron guttering is rusted through, causing moisture to seep through the walls of the building.
Before the grade II listed building deteriorates any further and to make some improvements at the same time, the parochial church council has come up with a novel way to raise some of the estimated £100,000 cost by organising an online prize draw.
Ann Orton, treasurer of the PCC, said: “We thought we would do some improvements to the church while we are getting the repairs done.
“We’re hoping to install a kitchenette and toilet in the vestry, but it all costs quite a lot of money.”
Currently any water needed in the church – to top up the biomass heating system installed ten years ago and for refreshments – has to be brought in by hand down a very long path.
She added: “There are all sorts of things that need doing, but it all costs a lot of money.
“We have received more than £10,000 so far in donations from the local community but we have a long way to go to reach our target.
“I’m hoping to get grants to help out but as most of these are match-funded we will need at least £30,000 from fundraising.”
After enlisting village residents Rachel Drew and Alison Maddox to help with fundraising, they have set up a prize draw with top notch prizes donated by local businesses and residents, including holiday accommodation in South Africa, vouchers for local restaurants, spa treatments and a four-day break at The Duck’s Nest Cottage, in Barningham.
A Barningham church appeal Crowdfunding page has been set up where a £5 donation gives one entry into the draw. Ms Drew said: “If you want to enter for free you can by submitting a postcode but the whole idea is to raise money to get match funding for grants.”
The deadline for free postal entries is Friday, July 19, and must be sent to Ann Orton, Treasurer Barningham Parochial Church Council, Old Wesleyan Chapel, Barningham, Richmond, DL11 7DU.
For more information on the prizes and how to enter visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk /p/barningham-church-appeal-north-yorkshire/ terms#start.
Ms Orton added: “Our aim is to reach as many people as possible and, of course we would like anyone who has connections to the church to donate if they can.”
Closing date for the draw, which is only open to those aged over 18, is September 6 and the lucky winners will be notified of their prize within two weeks.
