St Petrock's and a weekend that will live long in the memory

More than a thousand pounds was raised for St Petrock’s Church in Parracombe, a 1,000 year old church cared for by The Churches Conservation Trust, over the course of a very special weekend of events on 25th and 26th July.

The events were organised by Atisha McGregor Auld, with the support of the local community, and saw a large gathering of locals and visitors experience an “Ode to St Petcock’s”, a musical evening with words performed in costume by West Gallery Quire.

On Saturday 25th July, the sun shone, the church bell tolled, the Serpent sounded and the Town Crier of Ilfracombe announced the winner of a year’s free membership of the Ruskin Society. It was John Ruskin who donated generously to save the church from demolition in the late 19th century. Local volunteer Alan Phillips was presented with a certificate by Colin Shearer, Regional Director of The Churches Conservation Trust, in recognition of 30 years service as the caretaker for the church.

On Sunday 26th, the winds blew and the rains came but that did not deter a large congregation from coming together for a sung Evensong. The newly appointed Archdeacon of Barnstaple spoke about the importance of churches in holding the collective memory of communities throughout the ages.

St Petrock’s is one of 347 churches in the care of The Churches Conservation Trust. The Trust plans to form a friends group for all who care about the future of St Petrock’s. If you would like to become a friend or volunteer in the church, please contact our local Volunteering Officer Kim Thompson on [email protected] .

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