Whitwick Parish Church

Restoration Development Project

11^th May 2007

NEWS RELEASE – for immediate release

13^th Century Church gets a face lift

Church Restoration and Development Project

Whitwick Parish Church is inviting the community to a cheese and wine evening at the church on Tuesday and Wednesday 22^nd & 23^rd May from 7pm with, to which everyone is welcome.

Each evening there will be displays about the work of the church and how this Grade 2* listed building can be preserved for the benefit of the whole community. There will also be a brief presentation and talk detailing the planned restoration and development project together with the associated financial need.

The community appeal is to raise awareness of the work of the church in the community, as well as to raise funds to help restore and develop the oldest church building in the area.

Well over 50% of the cost has already been raised through grants, gifts and fund raising activities. Phase 1 of the work, the provision of toilets, has already started and it is timely to let everyone know what is happening.

Although invitations have been distributed door to door within the current parish boundary, the church of St John the Baptist has been central to the much larger ancient parish of Whitwick since the 13^th century. Hence, we are aware that interest in this ancient building goes much further a field and anyone interested in finding out what is happening in the church and supporting the restoration project is very welcome to attend - please contact (01530 838283) so we can send you a formal invitation, although anyone is welcome to come on the nights, with or without an invitation.

Further details are available on the web site www.whitwickparishchurch.org.uk

For more information contact

Roy Stratton - Home: 01530 458796 Mobile: 07816002678 or

Peter Christian - Days: 01332 683182, Mobile: 07887 632795, Evenings: 01530 812437

Press are invited to the event at any time between 7pm and 8-30pm on either 22^nd or 23^rd May.

Press are invited to take their own photos. Please contact Peter Christian if you will be sending a photographer

Office Address:

St John the Baptist Church

North Street

Whitwick

Leicestershire

LE67 5HA