St Michael & All Angels Church in Croston will reopen for a “Celebration Weekend” on 25th and 26th November 2017 on the completion of a scheme of major repairs to the roof and floors of this historic parish church.
Thanks to National Lottery money, the project set out to eradicate death watch beetle that had badly affected roof timbers and replace damaged and compromised timber in the roof and floors throughout the church.
You can listen to a report here on BBC Radio Lancashire about the work to repair the church and listen from 2hrs 22mins.
Work started on 5th June and was completed by 17th November 2017.
The church will be open from 11am to 4pm this Saturday and Sunday, November 25 and 26, for visitors to see the completed works and improvements.
There will be a programme of music in church on both days involving our local schools and choirs, as well as guided tours and photographs of the work undertaken.
On Sunday 26th November at 3pm there will be a Celebration Service led by the Bishop of Blackburn to mark the reopening of the church to which all are welcome.
Over the next few months, an educational programme, regular open days and events are also planned to open the church more regularly and to inform visitors about the history of the church.
There has been a church in the centre of Croston for over 1000 years and parts of the current Church dates back to 1230, although most of the building dates from the 15th century.
The Church is located within a conservation area and surrounded by attractive gardens, wood and open space and is the focus for many community activities throughout the year including the annual Coffe e Day, Walk of Witness, Christmas Fair, Craft Markets and Remembrance Day commemorations.
Croston is one of the most picturesque and photographed small villages in Lancashire, attracting large numbers of visitors throughout the year.
Normal services will resume in church on Wednesday November 29 at 10am and on Sunday 3rd December at 9.15 a.m. Also, the church will be hosting its annual Christmas Tree Festival on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December between 11 am and 4pm.
Church Warden Andrew Marston said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has enabled us to complete this major project. The Church has been very much at the heart of our village community for centuries and it’s great to know that it is now preserved for future generations.
“It also now gives us the opportunity to open it up more to schools and other visitors to learn more about our church and its history, as well as for the benefit of our community”
Ronnie Semley
November 22, 2017