A group of villagers have given the funds raised to save a 97-year-old church to charity after being forced to abandon their plans.
The Friends of St John’s Church have spent more than two years trying to lease the building from the Winchester Diocese. But members admit they would have to ‘put their homes on the line’ to finance any agreement.
St John’s church was made redundant last summer but the group carried on regardless. But the task proved a step too far and the money raised has been given to Cancer Research.
The eight-strong committee managed to raise around £4,000 and this money will now go to Cancer Research following a presentation last week.
Betty Ashlin, committee chairwoman, commented: “We are very sad and disappointed that we have had to give up our fight. We looked at all avenues to try and find a solution, but I am afraid we were left with no alternative but to call a halt.”
“After much soul searching it was decided that to fulfil all these requirements would require us to put our homes on the line. This was not an acceptable option for any of us.”
Meanwhile Mrs Catherine Roberts, of the Diocese of Winchester, said: “The church was made redundant in June 2009 by the Church Commissioners following the statutory consultation process. The churchyard continues to be used and cared for by the Parochial Church Council.
“Over the past two years the Diocese of Winchester has consulted with a range of interested parties and assisted the Friends of St John’s Church in their exploration of alternative options for the building. The Friends have concluded that they are unable to take responsibility for the management and maintenance of the building.
“The matter will therefore be considered by the Diocese’s Mission and Pastoral Committee later in the year after which proposals will be submitted to the Church Commissioners concerning its future.”
