Following a big fundraising push across local media and social media, St John’s Church, Hale is closer to raising the remaining £5,500 needed to repair its nearly 200-year old crumbling tower.
The church has led a successful fundraising campaign towards the £32,000 repair costs, with the congregation raising almost £27,000 through donations, fundraising events and grants. Just this week, the Church received a welcomed £1,000 from an anonymous donor, following the increased publicity.
The final phase of fundraising continues in earnest with the hope that the stonemason can start work in mid-September.
The church was opened in 1844 and was designed by Benjamin Ferrey, a pupil of the famous architect Pugin. It looks older than many Victorian churches as it is in the Romanesque style which dominated church architecture in the 11th to 12th century. It was extended in 1897 to accommodate a growing congregation following the expansion of Aldershot as a garrison town.
(Photo credit: St John's Church Hale)
Rev’d Lexi Russell, rector of the Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale, of which St John’s is a part, said: “What an incredible effort from everyone involved! The community has come together with creative ways to raise the funds to repair the tower of our beautiful church. We are now on the home stretch, with one final push to reach our goal before mid-September. St John’s has stood as a beacon of hope on Hale Road for generations, and with your continued support, we can ensure it remains so for generations to come.”
The parish has received grants from Farnham Town Council, the Church of England, Marshall’s Charity, the Surrey Churches Preservation Trust and Benefact Trust, and has fundraised through events such as the recent Pugs and Prejudice, a celebration of dogs in literature, especially that of Jane Austen.
Individuals have also given generously, meaning that there is almost enough money to repair the tower of this much-loved church which has been part of the Hale landscape for almost 200 years.
To donate to tower fund, contact Rev’d Lexi Russell on 07792 233477 or rev.lexi@badshotleaandhale.org