AFTER years of hard work and fundraising, improvement works likened to a “moonshot” have begun at St John the Baptist, Low Bentham.

Already, the builders have excavated the old cellar, installed new footings, and built walls up to ground level in preparation for the new extension which will house two new toilets, which will be accessible and have baby changing facilities.

In the next few weeks, work will begin on the interior of the church to install a kitchenette in the tower room and new heating and lighting systems. These will help to make the running of the church more efficient and help eventually to reduce its carbon footprint.

"Putting loos, kitchen, a children’s room and new heating has seemed as difficult as putting a man on the moon here, but with the never-ending encouragement of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) team and the PCC’s hard work, we have finally started our building work in Bentham,” said Rev Anne Russell, Team Rector of the Ingleborough Team of Churches.

“It may seem one small step for most churches, but it’s a giant leap for us – and it’ll transform how we can welcome and serve everyone in our parish. We launch in September!’’ Rev Russell said.

DAC Team Leader Lisa McIntyre added: “It’s always great to able to help with projects like this and all credit to St John’s because it has involved a lot of hard work and long term commitment.”

Further planned improvements will depend on continued fundraising and include building a flexible nave/central space for use seven days a week for services, groups, concerts and building a special new room within the church for children’s work and for local history.

As a result of years of fundraising and substantial legacies from members of the community, St John’s has more than £100,000 in the Building Fund account. This amount is increasing because of generous donations and a grant of £5250 given by the ‘Allchurches Trust.’

The church still needs another £100,000 to complete all its planned improvements to secure a healthy future.

To make a donation send a cheque payable to ‘Bentham St John’s Parish Church’ to Mrs J. Johnson: Holly Bank, Burton Road, Low Bentham, Lancaster, LA2 7EW, Or by bank transfer – sort code 09-01-51; account no. 15965505; name of account, Bentham