Repairs to Helmdon Churchyard Wall at the top of Church Street

As many people in the village will know, part of the churchyard wall on the blind bend at the very top of Church Street has collapsed. Helmdon Church Council has been able to secure the services of a specialist builder (Tom Hirst) to both repair and strengthen the damaged section.

The main work is scheduled to begin in late April or early May. It is likely to take a couple of weeks to complete and we ask that drivers take even greater care near the church when work is being carried out.

The Church Council is confident that a lasting improvement will be made to a much-loved village feature and ensure drivers, riders, and walkers do not have to negotiate fallen masonry at that corner in future years.

We will receive some vital help from the Friends of Helmdon Church towards the cost, which is going to be between £2,500 and £3,000. However, if anyone in the village or wider local area would also like to contribute to the project, all donations would be very welcome indeed.

All money raised will be tightly ring-fenced in a restricted church repairs and maintenance account. It will not be useable for any regular church running costs. We have been thinking about starting a Crowdfunding account to make it easy for such additional donations to be made and if we go ahead will publicise details. Visitors to church during the week can put money into the wall safe just inside the church door. Or contact the churchwardens if you would like to make a bank transfer direct to the Helmdon Church account. The Astwell Benefice website has email details.

We will update the Village Website as the starting date approaches.

Cliff Netten and Bill Elkington
Churchwardens, St Mary Magdalene Church