by Rebecca Hannant
Leaders of a South Holderness church have renewed their appeal for funds to enable vital restoration work to be completed.
In 2020, an appeal was launched to raise £174,000 to fund urgent work to the fabric and roof of the Grade 1 listed 12th-century St Germain’s Church in Winestead.
So far, the church has raised more than £80,000, which has enabled it to complete the repairs and renewal to the nave’s box gutter, lead flashing and installation of a roof alarm.
The money was raised with the support of grants from the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust, the Headley Trust, Morco, Tesco, Listed Places of Worship Scheme, a generous individual legacy, donations following an Opera North mini-opera held at the church, together with other fundraising efforts of the parochial church council and local community.
Members of the church are now raising money for the remaining £90,000 to carry out repairs to the internal fabric and the toilet facilities.
A spokesman said: “The church is very significant to our community, even for non-regulars, being the only place where we can come together.
“The rural village of Winestead is an attractive hamlet surrounded by open countryside and farmland with a population of around 100. We have no shop, school, pub, village hall or other facilities.
“The church is renowned for its atmospheric candlelit services by 12 brass candle chandeliers. We are very proud of our beautiful and recently restored 18th-century Clementi chamber organ.
“Winestead is also famous as the birthplace of Andrew Marvell, the metaphysical poet, satirist and politician who was baptised in the church. Marvell was educated at Hull Grammar School and Trinity College Cambridge. He holds a central role in the literary life of the nation.”
