OUR fund-raising campaign to save the Accrington Pals Memorial Chapel was launched exactly a year ago.

Since then we have raised the magnificent sum of £46,280, tantalisingly close to our £50,000 target.

Here are some of the highlights:

  • 19 October 2007 – The launch of the campaign telling the story of the closure of the historic St John’s Church, which houses the Pals Chapel, and the resulting storm of protest from the people of Accrington.
  • 26 October – Civic leaders including Councillors Peter Britcliffe and Graham Jones add their weight to the campaign and the Royal British Legion pledges its support.
  • 16 November – Cricket star David Lloyd backs the campaign and Accrington Stanley allow organisers to hold the first of several bucket collections which raises a whopping £737.
  • 11 January – The Rev Margaret Tremeer donates an astounding £5,000 and Asda gift wrapping raises £418.
  • 1 February – The Nags Head Volunteers host the first of a series of events, yielding £400.
  • 15 February – The Fireside Fusiliers host a musical and comedy bonanza.
  • 22 February – Accrington Motorcycle Club’s Valentine’s rock night, and a Sydney Street Club race night raise almost £600.
  • 21 March – Accrington Stanley yet again raise funds for the appeal, this time walking from their stadium to Rochdale FC. They went on to raise £1,000.
  • 18 April – Caroline Lee runs the London Marathon and ends up raising a massive £1,274, almost £200 more than initially hoped for.
  • 9 May – Antiques Roadshow expert Eric Knowles has his audience spellbound and adds £626 to the coffers.
  • 16 May – Jon Garon wows the crowd as Elvis to raise £700 and many supporters join Church and Oswald-twistle Rotary Club’s Great Charity Walk on the sunniest day of the year.
  • 4 July – News that English Heritage has offered St John's a grant, with a final decision to be made in early 2009.
  • 19 September – Successful charity cricket match between the Castle Inn and Accrington CC at Thorneyholme Road
  • 3 October – St John’s opens for the first time in over a year for Back to Church Sunday and there is a fabulous response.

Through the year there has been a constant stream of individuals, both named and anonymous, who have given their support in donations, time and expertise.

The probation service has worked on the grounds and Accrington and Rossendale College has offered support in a variety of ways.

People have held raffles, table top sales, coffee mornings, car boot sales, sponsored runs, sponsored swims, rock nights and varied collections.

A spokesman for the organisers said: "Fund-raising has been done in pretty much every way imaginable. We would love to list each one individually – the list is incredible. All we can do is say thank you to each person who has been involved."

This week’s donations have come from: £2 to Bill Turner from Ivy; £20 to Bill with all my love Ruth; £20 in memory of Clifford Coates from Mrs J Daniels; £40 from Mr and Mrs Bumby of Kendal with thanks to Les Bond.