Vital appeal to save church history

An appeal has been launched by the ancient Saddleworth Parish Church to protect its heritage and churchyards.

The primary focus is to map the churchyards vital and fascinating history-filled background, support researchers who could begin applying for grants to repair memorials of local and national importance.

This work links heritage preservation with keeping the buildings open and accessible.
 
Digilitising burial records has already recorded   23,000 names, burial locations identified, family trees traced, and family stories researched - all creating a valuable record of people and history of Saddleworth.

Fiona Ward, the church sexton, said: ”We  can carry out the recovery and preservation of a rich local history which may have been lost.

“We would also welcome anyone helping to research and write  stories to  bring these records to life.
 
“The yards still function as a choice of burial place. Being both memorial sites and public spaces, visited by families, visitors and wildlife, means safe access remains important and at the core of our activities.”
 
The volunteer trustees of the Church recognised to maintain safe access they needed to create a management and maintenance plan.
 
Donations have funded initial clearance and introduction of regular grass cutting which  over the last two years has substantially improved access.

The challenge now is maintaining progress so problems do not return and future costs do not rise.

However, the trustees are considering whether to cancel the regular grass cutting, meaning much of this regular work is at risk. Their choices are limited, as they must also meet the ongoing demands of caring for the church buildings falling victim to age and rising costs.
 
Without continued funding, regular maintenance may stop, access to the churchyards will  become difficult, and  work to protect and share this important heritage may have to end.

Any donation, however small, will help keep the churchyards open, cared for, and accessible, while allowing this unique heritage work to continue.

 Fiona added : “Seated on the hills above Uppermill and overlooking the valley, our churchyard is a beautiful and tranquil place.

 “To see it  fall into neglect and inaccessibility would be both a tragedy and a burden.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who has already supported this work, and we would like to anyone to become involved.

 “Anyone who values  a peaceful and accessible public space, who cares about local history and heritage, should recognise without  continued support, both access to the churchyard, and the heritage work it contains are at risk.”

Donate to the Churchyards (Click the link or visit https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QB1AEWXX)