Church repairs needed

Money is needed for extensive repairs and maintenance at one of Newark’s best-loved churches.

Members of Barnbygate Methodist Church have formed a fundraising committee and hope to bring in at least £15,000.

Their first event will be tomorrow when churchgoers, helped by youngsters from the Sunday Club, will host a spring sale and coffee morning in the former schoolroom next door.

The chairman of the church’s property and finance committee, Mr Andrew Sheldrake, has been a member of the church for 65 years. He said the building had gradually deteriorated and it was time action was taken.

He said: “We have a wonderful and beautiful church which is 163-years-old and grade two listed. As with any old building, maintenance costs are high and there is no available funding to help.”

He said the outside of the church and the building next door were badly in need of redecoration and the window frames and brickwork needed repairing and replacing.

The last time extensive work was carried out to the church was to mark its 150th anniversary when the old pews were replaced with more comfortable seating and improved heating and lighting were installed, along with a hearing loop system.

As a result the building is often used for concerts and exhibitions.

It can seat up to 650 people so is one of the largest churches in the town and is used by Newark district Scouts for their annual St George’s Day service.

“The premises are used by many groups especially charitable organisations,” Mr Sheldrake said.

“We are hoping members of the public will help us in raising funds.”