The Final Countdown É..  News about the Widford Church project
At the time of writing, we are about to sign contracts with a building contractor to carry out the church project works.  As there are still certain formalities to be completed, the start date suggested is the week of 21st September, which also means we can go ahead with our church Open Days on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September - more details in this Magazine.  

In the past year we have visited other local churches who were, like us, worried about their churchÕs future.  They too have removed pews and installed a WC and  kitchen, and ever since they have been using their churches more regularly for community events which have been a great success.  Two churches were very interested in our plans to create space within the church for the Widford Archive (currently stored in a residentÕs loft in boxes), and may consider doing something similar for their precious village history.

And now for the tricky part, which is that we havenÕt quite reached the projectÕs financial target of £187,765.  Currently £146,860 has been raised/donated/pledged and we are so grateful to all who have supported already.  Further grant applications submitted, if successful, will halve the current shortfall of £40,905 and leave us needing £20,000 to complete the project.  Other fundraising events are planned and there may be more donations for pews or for general support, to come, so we are optimistic we will reach our target in the coming months.  

Are you able to help in any way, either by making a donation or offering a short-term loan?  No amount is too small - even contributions of £5 or £10 all add up.   ItÕs clear how much our church is loved and how central it is to the village.  The level of support given since August 2023, when we first muted the idea of hosting the village Archive and reordering the church, has been both encouraging and heartwarming.  Thank you for supporting our events to date, for your generosity, and for proving that our church and community is genuinely so special.  

If you are able to support this once in a lifetime project to secure the future of our church, please see details below:-

Cheques should be made payable to Parochial Church Council of Widford and sent to our Treasurer, Mrs Jo Birkett, at Elia Cottage, Wareside, Herts, SG12 7RB.  If youÕd like to contact Jo, please email treasurer@widfordchurch.org 

* Bank transfer/online donation to -
o Lloyds Bank Hertford, sort code: 30-84-85  	
o Account number: 25803768
o Account name: Parochial Church Council of Widford
(Please note this account is used solely for funds for major works) 

For any questions about the project, please contact dinahfindlay2@gmail.com 
or 07909 705125.

Dinah Findlay, PCC Secretary, on behalf of Widford PCC