JCB Donation Builds Future For Historic Local Church

A JCB donation is proving the answer to a historic local church’s prayers in helping fund vital renovation work.

St Michael and All Angels Church at Stramshall, near Uttoxeter, has received £10,000 from the Rocester-based digger giant to help with major restoration work of the stunning Grade II listed building.

A regular architectural inspection of the church, which dates back to the 1850s, showed building and stained glass window repairs were urgently needed, so volunteers from The Friends of St Michael’s set about raising funds.

Committee secretary Angela Bath explained the group of ten parishioners who make up the Friends along with countless villagers held cake bakes, raffles, and community fundraisers to get the repairs off the ground and also approached nearby neighbours JCB for support too.

Work is now complete on the restoration of a stunning stained glass window which commemorates The Reverend Charles Frederick Lowry who was vicar at St Michael’s for more than 50 years. Meanwhile, specialist masonry work has begun on the west wing, bell tower and roof, with the aim of getting the church watertight by winter.

Once the renovations are complete, ambitious plans to build new kitchen and toilet facilities to make the church a community hub are also on the Friends’ agenda.

Vicar, The Rev. Margaret Sherwin said:

“St Michael’s is at the heart of Stramshall’s community and we are delighted that JCB is helping us to preserve this very special building for future generations.”