The East Williamston Parish Church of St. Elidyr’s has been awarded a Heritage Lottery Grant of £31,900 towards the cost of urgent repair work to the interior and exterior of the church.

Work commenced this week on this 13th century Grade II listed building and contractor David Siggery is hopeful to have work completed in three months.

The project includes re- pointing, rendering, plaster work and the fitting of replacement windows.

The community of St. Elidyr’s Church is small, but vibrant and offers a warm welcome to newcomers and local visitors to its various services.

They have strong links with their local community, forging partnerships with their community hall association and East Williamston’s Jubilee Park.

The church is well-positioned in the heart of the village and is appreciated for its sense of place, peace and prayer.

A newly-formed historical group has brought renewed interest in the history of the church and its churchyard and it is hoped that they can provide some new insights for the church guide which is currently being written.

The total cost of the project is £66,000 and further grant aid has been secured from The Garfield Weston Foundation; The Welsh Church Act Fund; The Church in Wales; and All Churches Trust.

However, there is still a shortfall of £12,000 which the congregation and friends of St. Elidyr’s are working hard to raise.

They have already held numerous events this year including a successful Sunday lunch last Sunday; their next will be their open gardens with Victorian teas on Sunday, June 26 (meeting at East Williamston Hall at 2 pm) and they also have a concert planned for later in the year.

Look out too for their flower festival in the autumn in celebration and thanksgiving for the re-opening of the church.

If you have any connection to the church are you interested in supporting St. Elidyr’s in its fundraising or could you offer your time to help with painting, decorating, maintenance work etc., then please do contact us:- Churchwarden Daphne Gwyther on (01834) 813132 or email [email protected] or Rev Caroline Mansell via email [email protected].