Stars donate to keep historic church alive (From Oxford Mail)

Auction to help repair damaged floor

2:00pm Monday 1st October 2012 in News By Tom Jennings, covering Witney and West Oxfordshire. Call me on 01865 425403

PRIME Minister David Cameron and England footballer Theo Walcott have given their backing to a church restoration campaign.

Holy Trinity Church in Wood Green, Witney, needs thousands of pounds after an inspection found beams supporting its floor were “like a sponge”.

A fundraising campaign has been launched by the congregation and an auction will be held on Friday, October 12, to help raise cash for repair work.

Donated items include a bottle of House of Commons Whisky signed by David Cameron, an England supporters’ shirt signed by Theo Walcott and a week’s holiday in Turkey.

Jonathan Olliffe, who designed 50p pieces celebrating the Olympic Games, has also donated two framed coins to the cause.

Auction organiser Kate Lockwood said: “The present congregation represents only a small step in the whole history of the church.

“It is our responsibility now to maintain what we have inherited and leave it in a good state for the generations to come.”

The church estimates that replacing half the floor, which was found to be in a poor state during a five-year inspection by an architect in March, will cost about £6,000.

Mrs Lockwood said: “We are aware of the fact that if one half is like that the other half will not be far behind.

“It could be cheaper in the long term to get together the money for the whole floor because ultimately it is going to need doing.”

As well as the celebrities donating to the cause, the church’s 80-strong congregation has also chipped in to help out.

Mrs Lockwood said: “Members of the congregation have come up with all sorts of things to auction.

“A local historian has offered to do family research and others have offered gardening, sowing and ironing services.”

Holy Trinity Church is 160 years old and was built to serve the community of Wood Green to stop them having to travel to St Mary’s Church in Church Green.

The building now hosts wedding and funeral services, as well as functions, concerts and a regular Thursday toddler group.

Holy Trinity was also the inspiration for Miss Read’s Thrush Green book series and receives tours from the Miss Read Society.

The Rev Toby Wright, parish rector, said: “Holy Trinity is the heart of the community at Wood Green.

“Not only does it look fantastic and picturesque but, in terms of provision to the community, it is a place where people are able to meet.”

He added: “This work is absolutely vital.

“The long-term prognosis is that it will become dangerous, but it is not at that stage yet and we want to address this now rather than putting it off.”

* The auction is at the church on Friday, October 12, from 7pm. For more information, see witneyparish.org.uk/noticeboard/promises.html

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