Community of just 70 unites to raise amazing total for church
Rutland and Stamford Mercury, Friday, September 9, 2005
A tiny hamlet with about 70 residents has raised £57,500 for its parish church.
It is a fantastic achievement for residents of Lyndon near Rutland Water.
The community has no shop, pub or community centre and St Martin's Church provides the focal point. Residents didn't want it to fall into disrepair so on St Martin's Day, November 11, in 2000, they launched an appeal to find enough cash to repair the tower.
Almost five years later the church looks magnificent, having had a significant makeover including a re-pointed tower, new heating for the pews and a recently- laid floor of Clipsham stone.
Since the appeal was launched with a concert at the church there has been much work behind the scenes work. Numerous letters were written, grants were applied for and there were also a whole host of events for people to enjoy. Receptions were held at Lyndon Hall, there were bridge and jazz evenings, an auction of promises, an exhibition and auction of paintings and a barbecue at Hambleton Old Hall.
Jess Holley, who has lived in Post Office Lane for 24 years, said: "The church has always been well looked after, but there were beige plastic tiles on the floor which retained moisture. It affected the dampness in the walls and plaster work flaked off and had to be redone.
"We intended to get the tower repaired and made enough cash for other projects.
It is quite an achievement in times of need, but everybody seemed to rally round and get the job done.
"The church looks absolutely splendid. It is very pleasing on the eye a beautiful country church."
Alistair Haywood, of Lyndon House, said raising money was usually a chore. "But this was a pleasure, because we've had fun," he said.
A special dedication service is being held at St Martin's on Sunday to give thanks for all the repairs and restoration work that have been carried out
by Julie Emberton