ST WILFRID'S CHURCH FUNDRAISING PROJECT

St Wilfrid's Church is Harrogate's only Grade 1 listed building. Designed by Temple Moore, the building of the Nave and Baptistry started in 1904 and they were dedicated for use in 1908. Elizabeth and Jean Trotter gave large sums of money and the Church in its entirety was completed in 1924 by Temple Moore's son-in-law, Leslie Moore.

The main organ dates from 1928 and is by Harrison and Harrison. Temple Moore actually designed a case for this organ but this was never built. This organ was award a 'Historic Organ certificate' by the British Institute of Organ Studies in 1998.

Despite a responsible and regular regime of maintenance over the past 100 years, we are now at a stage when key elements of the building are in need of refurbishment or replacement. For instance work required to the roof will be a costly though necessary exercise. We have drawn together an ambitious plan for the Church building which will replace the inefficient heating system, create new lighting, restore the floor, renew the seating and restore the organ. St Wilfrid's is fundamentally a House of God, but we want everyone to look to the Church as a focus for the whole community, and this ambition underlies our development plan.

We have set ourselves a fundraising target of £2million and raising such a sum will need mega effort from everyone. It is our intention to put on both large and small fund-raising events as well as to request donations from those who wish to subscribe. I am confident that when we all pull together there will be something that everyone can do to help!

We are launching our Campaign on Saturday 6 March 2010 with a Concert of Choral and Orchestral 16th and 17th century baroque music, including works by Monteverdi, Pergolesi and Vivaldi, to be held in the Church at 7.30 pm. Harrogate's premier chamber choir, Vocalis, and Knaresborough Pro Musica present 'The Italian Connection'. Tickets are £12 each to include a glass of wine and nibbles and the proceeds are to be shared equally between Saint Michael's Hospice and St Wilfrid's Restoration Fund. Please book your tickets via Linda at the Parish Office 01423 504629, Peter Blayney 01423 505231, Jenny Macdonald-Smith 01423 734871 or Pam Grant 01423 509971.

Pam Grant

Chairman St Wilfrid's Fundraising Group