St John's church is one of the oldest Catholic churches still in use in the Nottingham Diocese. Completed in 1842, it saw the first legal Catholic worship in Melton Mowbray after almost 300 years of punishment and persecution. Read on here for more information on the current project. To view the latest fundraising news please visit our website, where you will find events and activities run by our supporters which will inspire you to sponsor, donate, or even join in and run your own fundraising activity for the cause. We really do need your help!! Visit the site: https://friendsofstjohns.wixsite.com/historicchurch/fundraising

Background

When it was built in 1842, the neo-Gothic design was beautiful and the church was described as "a gem". The stained glass, plaster moulding and woodwork were extremely high standard, and the painted decoration was colourful and exuberant. Designers and artisans of national renown were involved. Sadly , there have since been a series of unsympathetic alterations which have damaged the integrity of the building's character. The current work aims to repair that, and to restore some of its former glory. It was decided to start by redecorating the sanctuary (the area around the altar). The designs chosen combine some of the original Victorian stencilled patterns with lighter, sympathetic additions. They enhance the heritage of the building by reflecting its original style while keeping its interior fresh and up to date. To read the architect's explanation of his designs, click here: Design Notes

The sanctuary redecoration will help to make the interior of St. John's far more attractive and in keeping with its architecture, hopefully fostering public interest in the building, encouraging its use and allowing it to better serve the local community.

Skilled tradespeople are working by hand, using the correct materials, for several weeks, which as you can imagine is an expensive project, especially on a listed building. The total cost for this initial phase of work on the church will be £45,000, so we are aiming to raise £4,500 - one tenth of the cost. We can do it with your help!

Why should I donate?

Too many of our fine and beautiful historic buildings have been allowed to decay and been lost. We must not let this happen to St. John's! It has served its community for nearly 180 years, with generations of local people having attended a service or event in the church. Together with the museum opposite, it forms a gateway to the town centre, providing a unique Victorian street scene which thousands of people walk by and drive past every week. As a Grade II listed building designed by the noted antiquary E. J. Willson possibly in collaboration with A. W. N. Pugin, it has special historical and architectural interest in itself, but it also acts as a reminder of the town's rich heritage.

The redecoration is a first phase, with further work required to restore the church and make it more accessible to all, including disabled access. Our initial aim is to raise £1,000 but we hope to reach and exceed this target, as much more work is needed.

Thank you for visiting our fundraising page - we very much appreciate your support. With your help, St John's church will once again be "a gem"!

A mohican when the total reaches £1000 *update*

As the Friends of St John's chairman Frances promised, once the target hit £1,000 she would have a multicoloured mohican. Well the clippers have been to work and the hair dye successfully applied. Please continue to support the campaign as we try to reach the next target.

Before:

After:

WE DID IT! We hit our first target of £1,000, thanks to your generosity. (Look out for the Mohican!) Now we have extended the target to £4,500 - one tenth of the cost.

We have now exceeded the extended target of £4,500! Thank you for your generosity.

FRIENDS OF ST JOHN'S JEWELLERY APPEAL RAISES NEARLY £1000.

Some time ago we appealed for you to bring in gold jewellery and watches, to be sold to help the expenses on St John's. We have just received a cheque for an amazing £936! Many thanks to all who donated items, and please could you all search deep in your cupboards for more jewellery and watches, even if broken. They may be hidden treasure!

Thank you all again.