Whiston Parish Church is calling upon local residents to help them preserve their beautiful, Grade 2* listed building for future generations by supporting their rainwater dispersal system appeal.
Their current system (guttering and drainpipes) has failed, causing damage both externally and inside.
To ensure the longevity of the church and access for local people, they are looking to raise funds to enable them to pay for the work and are busily thinking about ways in which to boost their fundraising.
Following an architect’s report they asked for tenders for the work and discovered that the cost of the work is estimated at £58,000 including VAT.
The church has built up a reserve fund to help pay for this work and can meet half the proposed cost. In addition, they are applying for grants which will hopefully meet a further quarter of the overall amount. This will leave approximately £15,000 for them to raise.
An important place in history
Whiston Parish Church dates back to 1188 when documents show that a chapel was built here (that is the first area as you come through the main door). Around 1250 the church tower was built. In 1430 two large windows were installed and two of the present church bells were installed in the tower, with a third bell added in 1636. Not much happened to the building until the 1700s, when a gallery and pulpit were built. In the late 19th century the church was closed for a year and enlarged, becoming the building we see today. It reopened in 1883.
What needs to be done?
Simply put, rainwater is not being channelled away from the building and is seeping through the walls. Most parts of the system date back to Victorian times and some of the drainpipes contain asbestos which is crumbling. This is causing damage to the outer walls but also to the walls and plaster inside too.
Doesn’t the church have loads of money?
As a parish church, all their services and activities are funded solely by the generous giving of the church family, local people and visitors. This includes the upkeep and maintenance of the churchyard and the historic building.
How you can help
You can give to the church by:
- Bank transfer under the account name of PCC for the Parish of Whiston, TSB 77-74-02, account number 00071841
- By cheque payable to PCC for the Parish of Whiston. Address – Whiston Parish Church, Rectory Drive, Rotherham S60 4JG
- By calling in to the church on Sunday and Wednesday mornings where they have a SumUp machine and QR code to donate electronically
If you are a UK taxpayer and would like Whiston Parish Church to reclaim the tax on your gift then please ask them for a Gift Aid form.
If you’d like to know more, speak to Treasurer Suzanne Booker or churchwardens Alan Teale or Alan Bradbury, or email whistonparishchurch@gmail.com.