ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS CROSTON
Historic Croston Church to reopen after major repairs with Lottery Fund grant
St Michael & All Angels Church in Croston will reopen for a “Celebration Weekend” on 25th and 26th November 2017 on the completion of a scheme of major repairs to the roof and floors of this historic parish church. Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the project set out to eradicate death watch beetle that had badly affected roof timbers and replace damaged & compromised timber in the roof and floors throughout the church. Work started on 5th June and will be completed by 17th November 2017.
The church will be open from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th November for visitors to see the completed works and improvements. There will be a programme of music in church on both days involving our local schools and choirs, as well as guided tours and photographs of the work undertaken.
On Sunday 26th November at 3 p.m. there will be a Celebration Service led by the Bishop of Blackburn to mark the reopening of the church to which all are welcome
Over the next few months, an educational programme, regular open days and events are also planned to open the church more regularly and to inform visitors about the history of the church.
There has been a church in the centre of Croston for over 1000 years and parts of the current Church dates back to 1230, although most of the building dates from the 15th century. The Church is located within a conservation area and surrounded by attractive gardens, woods and open space and is the focus for many community activities throughout the year including the annual “Coffee Day” Walk of Witness, Christmas Fair, Craft Markets and Remembrance Day commemorations. Croston is one of the most picturesque and photographed small villages in Lancashire, attracting large numbers of visitors throughout the year.
Normal services will resume in church on Wednesday 29th November at 10 a.m. and on Sunday 3rd December at 9.15 a.m. Also, the church will be hosting its annual Christmas Tree Festival on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Church Warden Andrew Marston said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has enabled us to complete this major project. The Church has been very much at the heart of our village community for centuries and it’s great to know that it is now preserved for future generations. It also now gives us the opportunity to open it up more to schools and other visitors to learn more about our church and its history, as well as for the benefit of our community”
About St Michael & All Angels Church Croston
The church is located at the centre of the village of Croston within the Chorley Borough of Lancashire. The church is part of the United Benefice of Croston, Bretherton and Mawdesley with Bispham within the Chorley Deanery of the Diocese of Blackburn. The Rector is Rev Michael Woods. The church has strong links with local church schools – Trinity and St Michaels Primary and Bishop Rawstorne Academy – and local scout groups. Our congregation is active and growing with many young families and children attending weekly services and other events. The church is funded entirely by our local congregations and other fund raising. (Please see our website the3churches.org.uk)
For further information, images and interviews, please contact:
Andrew Marston, Church Warden, St Michael & All Angels, Church Street, Croston, PR26 9HA
Tel: 01772 600962
email: andrew.marston1@btinternet.com
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