Rebuild ‘beloved’ church
THOUSANDS OF POUNDS ALREADY DONATED TOWARDS EFFORT
HUNDREDS of people have committed to restoring a Derbyshire church which was destroyed by a fire.
Flames tore through All Saints’ church in Mackworth on Friday, causing significant damage to one of the county’s oldest buildings.
Since the incident, masses of people across Derbyshire have pledged to raise funds to rebuild the Grade I-listed building.
In an outpouring of messages on Facebook, people showed their support to the All Saints’ community and remained confident that the building could be repaired.
Nigel Gaunt said: “This can be rebuilt. There are some of the finest craftsmen around in this country. Just look at some of the restoration jobs that get done. It won’t be quick but it’ll get done.”
Chris Raisin said: “I think we are over the initial shock now. Maybe its time for some positivity? The structure appears to be still sound so it can be repaired. Such a shame we are in this pandemic, we could have organised a big carol concert to raise funds. But let’s get some ideas going.”
A fundraising page has been set up by Mel Wood, of Mackworth. So far it has raised around £8,000 from more than 400 donations.
Mrs Wood said: “I set this page up because my family and I have lived at Mackworth for nearly 60 years and my sister and myself got married at All Saints’ Church like so many other Mackworth residents. “As soon as I heard, I found it really upsetting so straight away I thought, ‘What can we do to help?’ So I’m trying to raise money to help rebuild. “I know times are really hard for everyone and people have lots going on in their lives, especially with Christmas coming up but Christmas is a time for giving and I thought if people could just spare £1 we could hopefully try to restore our beloved church.”
Mrs Wood is not the only local resident who was left heartbroken by the fire, with many taking to social media to share their memories of the building.
Rachel Tomlinson, who lived in Mackworth until 1993, said: “Many happy times walking in the fields by the church most weekends on our way to Markeaton Park growing up.” And Julie Osbiston added: “It was always so beautiful at Christmas and the lighting of the Christmas tree festival. One of the most stunning churches in Derby and set in glorious countryside.”
Christmas is a time for giving and I thought if people could just spare £1 we could hopefully try to restore our church.
Mel Wood