On behalf of Calne and Blackland Parochial Church Council, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the people of Calne for their generous support for our heating appeal for St Mary’s Church in Calne. 

After the failure of the 150-year- old system last January, we realised that, despite repeated attempts at repair over many years, a new and more efficient system needed to be installed. After seeking expert advice and several estimates, we were shocked to discover that we would be looking at a cost in the region of £250,000. We knew we needed to be able to heat the building, not only for the benefit of the many people that pass through its doors, but also to preserve the fabric of what is Calne’s most historic and only Grade-I listed building.

We found that grants would be available to us but only on the condition that we were able to find 10 per cent of the total cost from local fundraising. Following an article published in the Gazette & Herald in July and the delivering of letters to every household in Calne, we more than reached this amount. 

By the end of September (within three months of launching the appeal) we had received more than £26,000 in donations from the town. What’s more, many of these donations had been gift-aided, adding a further £6,000 to the sum.

We are also very grateful for grants that we have received from the following: Viridor £121,115; The Hills Group Ltd £15,000 (administered by Community First); Friends of St Mary’s Church (FOSM) £10,000; Wiltshire Historic Churches £5,000; Calne Town Council £4,000; Calne Lions £1,000. The cost of the work includes VAT but we are able to claim this back from the Inland Revenue through the Listed Places of Worship scheme.

In October we began installing the new heating system, work which is due to be completed by the end of February (although we hope to have some heat before this date).

Funds are still needed, so our fundraising goes on, and we hope that the people of the town will continue to help us. But the fact that work has started so soon is due to the incredible generosity of the Calne community. 

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone whose support and contributions have made this possible. 

We would love to see you over Christmas. You’ll still need to come well-wrapped but you’ll be able to see how much progress we have made. May I wish the people of Calne all God’s blessings for a joyous Christmas.

Bob Kenway,
Team Rector of Marden Vale Benefice.