Massive cash task to save church windows

THE stunning stained glass windows at St Chad's Church, Uppermill

AN ancient Saddleworth Parish Church is focusing on a vision of the future to ensure it retains its spectacular stained glass windows.

Two years ago, St Chad's Church celebrated 800 years of continuous worship on its hallowed Saddleworth site.

And, as part of that special anniversary, the church community began plans to improve the building to ensure the church in Uppermill was accessible as a special place to visit, worship and treasure for the future.

But during the anniversary year, shocked parishioners learned in addition to the planned works, they would have to find more than £300,000 to repair and restore the church's beautiful stained glass windows. The St Chad's Development Group, which is supported by the Parochial Church council, has been faced with a mammoth fundraising task, and have planned a campaign to raise funds.

Challenge

"We expect the total project will be phased over several years and will require a mixture of fundraising and bid writing," said Helen Lennie, chairwoman of the development group.

Before Christmas they invited young people attending schools, Sunday schools and churches in the parish to take part in a Logo Design Challenge on the theme of the project title: 'Seeing is Believing.'

More than 60 entered and the group are hopeful the winning design will be ready to use for the official launch of the 'Seeing is Believing' fundraising campaign on March 25.

Helen said: "Co-op Community Fund at the church was lucky to be chosen as one of three local causes for community funding by Uppermill Co-op.

"Every time a Co-op membership card is used a percentage of your spend goes to a cause of your choice. Just register your Co-op card and select St Chad's Windows Project on the Co-op website."

She added: "The scheme has also been extended until April 8.

"And so far £463.25 has been raised.

"So thank you to everyone who has taken advantage of the scheme and keep spending!"