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Generosity amazes Pals fund organiser

12/ 6/2008

"STILL going strong — it never ceases to amaze me that people are still giving after so many months of the campaign."

That was the comment from Andy Shepherd, St John’s churchwarden, as our Aspire appeal reached £34,718.

We are aiming to raise £50,000 to allow the re-opening of the historic church and the Accrington Pals Memorial Chapel which is housed there.

Events planned to take the fund to its target include a car boot sale at St John’s School on 28 June and a walking treasure hunt.

Meanwhile, the church is waiting anxiously for a decision from English Heritage about its application for a grant to repair the roof and walls.

And, following a visit from the Redundant Churches Commission, made up of priests, architects and church commissioners, it was advised to apply to the National Churches Trust for help, both practical and possibly financial, with developing the interior of the church.

This week’s donations have come from: A Father’s Day memory of Harry Dean JP from Pauline Dean £100; AD Coates £145; Fireside Fusiliers performance at Bank Terrace Masonic Lodge £40; Anon £20.

More details are on the church website, http//www.stjohns-accrington.org.uk/index.html or you can email the appeal organisers at savestjohns@google-mail.com

There are still places available on a five-day coach trip to the First World War battlefields of Northern France, including the Accrington Pals Memorial, from 10 July. Ring organiser Steve Williams on 854298.