AS the number of regular worshippers decreases, the church in Holsworthy needs increasing help from the wider community so a Friends of Holsworthy Church group was started last year and is seeking more members.

The help needed is not just financial. There is much involved in ensuring that a church is there for the whole community — from building works to fund raising.

A spokesperson said: “We hope to build up the number of people that support the church through becoming a Friend. Friends can support financially as well as offering time and skills. Only once in the last 12 years has the church had enough income to pay all its bills.”

In 2017 it cost £109.61 per day to run the church: £19,120 to keep the church running — that’s £52.38 per day. It also costs £20,888 to have a priest (Mother Elizabeth Burke) in the community — that is £57.23 per day.

The spokesperson said: “Last year we launched the Friends of Holsworthy Church and we now seek to increase the number of Friends. Individuals, couples and organisations including businesses can become a Friend for as little as £3 a month or by giving time, skills or materials.

“Please help to ensure that the church is here for those times when you need it and for future generations.”

Some of the Holsworthy Church community activities and fund raising events the Friends have been involved with included a community life size Nativity scene for the town’s Christmas Light Switch-on event; The stable and animals were created by The Men’s Shed, Mary and Joseph by the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, Jesus by the Youth Club, the Angel by Holsworthy Pre School Playgroup, the wise men by Holsworthy Primary School and the shepherd by the church. Materials were provided by the local branches of RGB Building Supplies, Mole Valley Farmers, Harpers Farm Supplies and Tamar Trading Builders’ Merchant.

Another fundraising event in the church’s calender to help pay the bills was a Burns Night event at the White Hart Hotel on January 25.

The church expressed its thanks to the pub, a Friend of Holsworthy Church for doing the catering at cost. The band also gave its time for free and many other non church going people in the town helped to make the evening a success.

Other fundraising events have included farm visits, for example to the nursery at Rhude Farm, Chilsworthy, helping raise funds for the church but also raise awareness and help people understand the pressure of farming today.

But it isn’t all about fundraising, people’s skills are appreciated too. The church also has Friends who offer their skills like flower arranging or cleaning the church, which the spokesperson added: “We are most indebted to.”

Application packs to become a Friend of Holsworthy Church are available at the rear of the church, other public spaces in Holsworthy and from the secretary Mrs Carol Weston on 01409 259371, email [email protected] or the rector Mother Burke on 01409 255490, email [email protected]