A local church which has opened its doors to the community has enhanced its facilities thanks to a grant from Hambleton District Council.
St Peters Church at Birkby which is the only community building in the hamlet was awarded £544 from the council’s Small Grant scheme to purchase display boards to display heritage information about the area and folding tables and a water boiler to help host community events.
“The 18th century brick built church is the focal point for this tiny community,” said Councillor Stephen Watson, Ward Member.
“It is the only public building in the area where people can gather together, so it is really important that we help preserve this . The grant will help improve the facilities we are able to offer to the local community and visitors to community and church events. It is still used for regular worship and baptisms, weddings and funeral but furthermore it will enable a wide range of activities to be held in the church building.”
A variety of events are planned for later this year to help raise awareness of the local heritage. The area includes a monument site listed by Historic England as well as a piece of an Anglo Saxon Cross, two 15th century bells of historic importance hang in the bellcote of St Peter’s, and inside the church is a full set of 17th century oak benches.
