“THE cathedral of the dale” has been given a £66,000 makeover so it can hold concerts and more community events.
A special pod has been installed at the back of St Romald’s Church, in Romaldkirk.
Behind a beautifully carved oak panel are a servery and a disabled toilet.
The project has been inspired by a need to do more with the church, which is rare because it is laid out like a cathedral.
Ian and Joyce Nelson have been leading the fundraising project, dubbed the Sweat Pea Fund.
Work is now finished, although worshippers still have to raise £10,000 to cover a loan that enabled the project to start.
Joyce said: “It’s a grade I-listed building known as the cathedral of the dale and we just wanted to get the building used for more concerts and bands.
“We can now serve coffee and tea after services so people can stay longer. It has been quite embarrassing in the past for weddings and funerals when people travel from far away and they need to go to the toilet.
“The local hostelries have been accommodating but it’s not ideal.
“We are thrilled with how it looks now.”
Middleton and Teesdale Silver Band has been booked to perform a concert in July and there are other plans in the pipeline to get young people involved.
It was thought the pod would cost about £30,000 but worshippers ended up having to find more than double that amount.
Mr Nelson has thanked everyone who gave time, money and support. Councillors Richard Bell and Barbara Harrison provided £12,157 from their budgets. Cllr Bell said: “It is pleasing to see this project completed. I hope that it will enable the church to be more accessible and open it up to wider community uses.”
Cash was also given by Teesdale Action Partnership, Diocesan Church Building Fund, Sir John Priestman Charity Trust, The Garfield Weston Foundation, Allchurches Trust Ltd, and Romaldkirk Parochial Church Council. There were also many private donations and fundraising events. Mr and Mrs Nelson also want to thank David Beaumount of Beaumont Brown Architects, Blackburn Marshall Construction, furniture maker Anthony Nixon, and archaeologist Percival Turnbull.
Anyone wishing to contribute towards the church’s construction fund or would like to know more about the church can contact Joyce Nelson on 01833 650900.