Rattlesden Village Website
bringing the community together
bringing the community together
bringing the community together
Rattlesden Church is a mediæval building, Grade 1 listed since 1954 dating mainly from the 14th and 15th centuries with some 13th century features.
The building is a village asset which is open for everyone, even if some only attend for christenings, weddings, funerals and the occasional concert.
Regular worshippers have faithfully maintained the building but it is becoming difficult to raise the amounts needed as there is little or no help from the Church or the State.
The Friends of Rattlesden Church (FORC) is non-religious and was set up in 2012 to do two things:
Fundraising, to make grants for the restoration, preservation, repair, upkeep and enhancement of the fabric of St Nicholas’ Church, its contents, churchyard and ancillary buildings.
Maintain a “Time and Talents” register, to bring together people who are willing to be called upon, when and if available, to help with the practical side of maintenance and similar work
A traditional Burns night supper with full piped ceremony will be held on the evening of FRIDAY 24th JANUARY in the Pavillion. Following the meal there will be a night of ceilidh dancing to “Pluck & Squeeze”.
Details will follow in the December edition of Revelations.
A “Race Night” was held on the evening of FRIDAY 15th NOVEMBER.
Despite atrocious weather and competing activities the evening was a success and thoroughly enjoyed.
The evening raised just short of £200.00 towards FORC’s current project, the restoration of the west window in the north aisle. The cost of this project is estimated to be between £4,000 and £4,500.
This years “Ride and Stride” in support of the National Churches Trust, on 14th September, raised £145.00 which will be shared between Rattlesden Church and The Trust.
Many thanks to Kathryn, Sophie, Charlotte and little Alexis as well as the “Meeters and Greeters” in the Church.
On the 1st September, Roy Tricker gave an interesting talk on the history and architecture of St Nicholas church in Rattlesden.
This was an enjoyable afternoon which included a walk around both the inside and outside of the church.
Over £250 was raised for FORC funds.
Dave Ward, Events Organiser.
Since formation in the autumn of 2012 FORC has provided:-
2013 - 4 - Labour to help re-hang the 6 bells and other tower work. Under the direction of the Tower Captain (Dave Ward), the saving on labour costs was in the order of £21,000 on a project that cost in the order of £70,000.
2015 - £5,400 for the refurbishment of the rainwater goods and downpipes.
2016 - £2,500 for repairs to the Church roof, internal high level cleaning of windows and walls including some re-plastering.
2017 - £600 a contribution towards repairs to the churchyard wall which runs alongside Church Walk.
2019 - £3,340 to refurbish the clock face. This was completed with re-installation on March 18th 2019.
The Annual Report and Accounts for the year ending 31st December 2018 are available and a copy is attached below in “Associated Documents”.
Electronic copies in .pdf format are available by Email, or printed copies upon application to the contact point below.
There is no charge for either version.
Would you like to help?
The Working Group who manage FORC is currently just 4 individuals.
There is a vacancy for a Secretary the main functions include setting up quarterly meetings and AGMs including agendas and minutes as well as tracking agreed activities and support for events. You do not have to be an elderly retired male like the rest of us.
If this is something you feel you can do, and are prepared to give the time and effort required we would be pleased to hear from you.
If you want to have your name added to the list of volunteers who are willing to assist in running the fundraising events or can help with maintaining the church and its grounds, we would like to hear from you.
Other ways you can help us are by making regular donations, sponsoring events to get your local business recognised and, not least, by coming to our events.
If you want more details, or would like to be added to the ever growing list of those who want to be kept up to date with our activities, please contact us at rattlesdenchurch@btinternet.com
Thank you - The FORC team.
Chairman - Tony Brain
Vice Chairman - Stephen Collins
Treasurer - Stephen Drury
Event Manager - David Ward
Secretary - Vacant
Telephone 01449 737541 Email: rattlesdenchurch@btinternet.com
