Melverley Church News

Holy Communion service in Melverley on Sun 5 JUL at 6.00 pm

The story of Melverley church throughout the centuries

Sat 18 JULY at 11.00 am and again at 2.00 pm

Sat 22 AUGUST at 11.00 am and again at 2.00 pm

Come and find out about the fascinating history of Melverley church from its early days and conflict with Owen Glyndwr to nearly losing the church due to flodding in 1990.

The history is brought to life set within this unique, historic building and surrounding countryside.

Explore the River Vyrnwy at its confluence with the River Severn.

Stay and enjoy coffee/tea and cake.

No need to book, entry free.

Look forward to seeing you.

Group visits are available throughout the year.

Please contact Sue Gittins for further details.

suegittins@gmail.com

Group visits

Alongside other news including the very successful plant sale there have been two group visits to the church.

National Churches Trust brought a group of 45 people from all over the country to visit and listen to the story of Melverley Church from 1401. They spent some time discovering its rich history both in and out of the church.

A small group from Llansanffried WI visited on 8th May some of whom had known Melverley from their childhood visits to relatives.

We are always happy to welcome groups to the church, however big or small. Find out and explore the churches’ history, perhaps have a coffee and a walk up the river Vrynwy.

Sue

Melverley Church Plant Sale

What a wonderful day at the plant sale! Lovely weather, good company, lots of catching up with friends and neighbours old and new, a plethora of plants to be had and delicious refreshments.

A huge thank you to all who helped, mowing and strimming, donating plants, baking cakes, setting up, manning stalls, to the village hall for the loan of tables and to everyone for turning up on the day.

Finally tally:

· Sarah and Morgan - Veg - £232

· Gill & Liz - Annuals £252

· John - Tomatoes - £161

· Di & Linda - Perennials - £965

· Brenda, Cath & Jan - Raffle - £215

· Lisa, Ann & Rob - Refreshments - £400

· Including some later donations for plants....

· Grand Total £2,339

And obviously the biggest thank you and a huge round of applause should go to Sue Gittins, who has spent months organising, planning, growing, and pulling everyone together to make it such a fantastic event.

And there are still some lovely plants at the church available at very reasonable rates, just pop any donations in the box.

Church Repairs

All of our current fundraising is going toward the somewhat sizeable repair works which will be starting very soon. We have received grants from a number of charitable trusts and these have gone a good way towards funding the work along with our own fundraising and the generous support of the community and visitors. There is still a little way to go.

There was an excellent article in the Shropshire Star on 17 April which talked about what a rare and historic building Melverley Church is and how important it is to the community. Built in 1406 after the previous church was burnt down by Welsh Chieftain Owain Glyndwr, the church is made of local Melverley Oak, using only wooden pegs. The article can be read at https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/rare-timber-framed-shropshire-church-gets-a-crucial-funding-boost-to-stay-open-6577173

The work includes repairs to the belltower and other areas to make the church water tight, along with repainting. The total cost of the works and professional fees will be in the region of £30,000. Thanks to JR Thomas Ltd for agreeing to take on the job, we were happy to be able to have a local company carrying out the repairs.

We will keep you updated on the progress. Please do visit and see how things are going.

Donations

It’s easy to forget that all of our local churches runs entirely on donations, fundraising and community goodwill to meet the considerable overhead costs each year.

We have been incredibly grateful to all those who make donations and attend our fundraising activities. We also have a small band of regular donors, and if you would be interested in supporting us and can consider giving a small regular amount to keep this beautiful building open and available to everyone, please get in touch with Sue Gittins on 01691 682 315 or email melverleychurch@gmail.com

Please also get in touch if you would consider supporting the church in other ways, such as joining the PCC or giving any of your time to join our small band of helpers who keep the church and graveyards clean, tidy, mowed 

and strimmed.

Other Church Events

Sue hosted a visit from the National Churches Trust recently, so don’t forget that group bookings and talks are available.

We are part of the Five Churches Trail and sit along the Severn Way, so a great stopping point when you’re out and about.

There are also a wide range of books for sale in the church at £1 or 50p for children’s books and we welcome donations of books if you have any.

Many thanks

Julie Wilde (Treasurer)