Birtles Lane
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK10 4RX

Friends of St Catherine's Church

Summer BBQ

The Summer BBQ was a great success. We had a full turn out, the weather stayed fine, the setting in Highlees was stunning and the wine flowed!! Our intention was to attract as many as we could from within the community who we did not necessarily see at Church on a Sunday, and we did that. There were many new faces. People who have lived in the area for many years, never been inside the Church but appreciated its importance to the wider community.

The cost of tickets was deliberately kept low. At £15 guests enjoyed the fabulous location, ample food (burger, sausages, pizza and salad) and their choice of wines and beers. They could also swim in the lake and many did. And not just the young either!!

All in all, it was a great night. New contacts were made and new friendships formed, old acquaintances rekindled. We hope to do it all again next year!

Church Organ

But for now, we move into the Autumn with further events planned. The Church organ is being restored to its rightful place in the loft and all being well should be up and running by mid to late September. Chris, our organist can’t wait!! Look out for the date (perhaps Sunday 12 October) for a Grand Reopening and Organ Recital with the internationally renowned Chris Cromar.

More Events

We are also looking to host an evening soiree and auction, as well as forming and running a 200 Club. Further detail will appear in the monthly Messenger

These events, whilst enjoyable in themselves and helping to meet the regular costs of maintaining the fabric of the Church, will not regrettably address the big issue of the Roof. There are two big capital projects we face, the organ restoration (the cost of which will mostly be met by the sizeable donations and legacies already gratefully received) and the roof renovation. We had hoped to undertake the work on both at the same time this year but sadly that was not possible. Our bid (for the roof) to the Heritage Lottery failed and we must now look to raise the funding ourselves from within the community. Standing Orders in favour of the Church help, and since the formation of the Friends we have had an increased number for which we are most grateful, but in the weeks and months to come we must look to attract significant donations so that the works can begin and most importantly so that we can hold the current estimated cost.

Looking Forward

This is the harsh reality of the road ahead in order to preserve the fabric of this gem of a church building which sits at the heart of our community. The Summer BBQ was a positive and hugely promising start, but we need to build on that this Autumn.

How to Join

If you would like to join the Friends of St Catherine’s or find out more about how you can help with fundraising activities, please contact Jim Pickup