Some of the Heritage Group pushed their technical skills to a new level when 5 of us "met" online earlier this week. It all went very smoothly except for one member who was forced to roam the house looking for a quiet place! Well done everyone.

We have reviewed our plans after the Lottery disappointment. Our first priority has to be sorting out the damp problem which is the reason for the building being on the At Risk register. This will mean removing the 1970s cement render to allow the building to breathe again, repairing and replacing guttering and downspouts and checking external drainage. New internal and external finishes will be in traditional materials. The photo in this article  shows lettering found under the plaster in the 1970s and now hidden. 

We intend to apply for grants which can support this work and to concentrate our fundraising on building up a "war chest" so that we have matched funding for the grant bodies who require it. We now have a JustGiving page, (www.justgiving.com and search for St John's Waberthwaite). Donations can be gift aided very easily, so that will help us maximise any gifts. It would be great if everyone who would have visited St John's and left a donation in "normal" times would consider this as an option in these, more challenging, times. 

The church is still closed, but we look forward to the time when we can invite you to visit for worship.