PEOPLE can catch up with how the restoration of the historic St Michael’s and All Angels Church is going when it opens its doors between 10am and 4pm from Saturday until next Sunday, September 12 to 20.
There will be a ‘Life through a Lens’ exhibition from photographer Dave Lewis who has been documenting the building and restoration through photographs after being given access to the works.
Picture by Dave Lewis. s
He said: “It is only when you start looking through the lens of a camera that you start to appreciate the area you live in.
“Doing this, you start to fall in love with this building, its history and architecture and also the surrounding area.
“The church is set in a beautiful part of Worcestershire with numerous walks around the village and countryside.”
It has also led to him having a gallery at the Jinney Ring, online sales and a social media page for enthusiastic picture takers from around the globe.
The photographic display and other images depicting Stoke Prior’s local nature and natural beauty past and present will illustrate how the church and the village has developed over time.
There are prizes for the best nature pictures in two categories – children aged five to 17 and adults (18 and over).
Some of the photographs will be sold or auctioned at the end of the display.
The Easter raffle, delayed because of Coronavirus, will be drawn at 2pm, boasting more than 20 prizes, including £250 cash for the first ticket selected.
All donations will go towards the Tower Fund as cash is still needed for unexpected costs and future maintenance.
In July The Friends of St Michael and All Angels Church found out the project had qualified for a £330,000 National Heritage Lottery Fund grant to restore the building to its former glory and secure its long-term future.
It followed £166,000 being generated during more than four years of hard fund-raising
Anyone wanting more information on the weekend’s events and how to donate should call Gary or Cathy Stokes on 01527 577069.
