As with many small, rural churches, St. Helen’s has been struggling financially due to a number of factors.

Recent restoration of the tower together with repairs to the vestry roof and internal redecoration ensured that the coffers were well and truly depleted. In response to this, The Friends of St Helen’s Church was formed in the spring of 2017.

FoSH has been established to advance the restoration, repair, maintenance, improvement and beautification of this precious, historical building which remains at the centre of the village, both socially and geographically. St Helen’s is Grade ll* listed and is the oldest building in the village, with parts of the church dating back to Saxon times.

The group’s commitment is to ensure, like our predecessors, that the fabric of St Helen’s is maintained and preserved for future generations to come. This covenant extends to the monuments, fittings, fixtures, stained glass windows, chattels in the church, and the churchyard, including the War Memorial.

As with all historic buildings repair and maintenance is a must; due to lack of funds recently parts of St Helen’s remain in a sorry state of repair. The Victorian guttering needs replacing urgently as rainwater is leaking into the chancel, the porch rafters are rotten, and the path and boundary walls require attention. If the above are not addressed these problems will be amplified and, as they have Health & Safety implications who knows what might happen?

In addition to attending the group’s organised events throughout the year, our annual membership programme has been well received. The membership programme ensures that regular maintenance and improvement work can be carried out. If you would like to preserve St Helen’s for future generations please consider becoming either a platinum, gold or silver supporter.