After a long period of conservation and restoration works, the church of St John’s, Sharow is opening its doors to the public once again. For months, the church was shrouded by inside and out as contractors and conservators worked on stained glass, wall paintings and the construction of new, modern facilities. Now, nearly half a million pounds of Heritage Lottery Fund money later, thanks to support from National Lottery players, the church is throwing open its doors to the community and inviting everyone to come and celebrate the reopening.
The celebration will open at 12.30pm on Sunday April 29th. The Dean of Ripon Cathedral, the Very Revd John Dobson, will be cutting the ribbon. Dean John says of the church:
“The Vision Project at St. John’s, Sharow is a shining example of how the Church’s vision to serve can lead to transformation for both the community and the church’s heritage. The success which is now so evident both in and around the church building is a credit to those who have worked very hard to turn the vision into reality. We are grateful to them, and to the charitable, corporate and individual donors without whose support this could not have happened. Long may this church-based vision benefit the life of the whole community.”
Visitors will get the opportunity to enjoy tours around the building from the church’s Heritage Officer, the chance to meet the conservators and architects to see an exhibition of still and moving imagery which shows the work underway. Refreshments, live music and stained glass workshops will take place throughout the afternoon alongside activities for families and trails throughout the building and award-winning conservation area.
A celebratory service will be held at 6pm led by the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Helen-Ann Hartley. This will be followed by a reception with live music and refreshments to draw the evening to a close.
You can find out more on the church’s website at stjohnssharow.org.uk or on facebook.com/stjohnssharow
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Heritage Lottery Fund – Thanks to National Lottery players, we invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about – from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife. www.hlf.org.uk. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLottery and #HLFsupported.