A 700-YEAR-OLD, Grade 1 listed church in Standish needs restoration in order to return it to its former glory.

The Church of St Nicholas is the last church to be built in the Decorated style by the Severn Vale school of masons based at the Cathedral of St. Peter in Gloucester.

It is renowned for its pencil thin elegant spire and its memorials, including one which commemorates the 1618 wedding of Sir Henry Winston’s daughter Sarah to John Churchill from whom Sir Winston Churchill, our former Prime Minister, was a direct descendant.

Unfortunately, this important memorial was last restored in 1962 and has slowly deteriorated over the years, mainly due to rising damp but perhaps also from some penetrating damp.

Before work on the monument can commence it is necessary to reduce the damp in the south wall of the nave.

Furthermore, work in the grounds to reduce the moisture levels at the foot of the monument is required to allow restoration to take place.

Any excavation in the churchyard requires the presence of an archaeologist which will ensure the work is carried out carefully and any artefacts of interest will be duly recorded.

The cost of the renovation is estimated to be around £7.500 and now the congregation is appealing for help in raising the funds.

Anyone who wishes to donate or get involved in raising the money can contact members of the church on 01453 297913 or via email on standishcourt@talktalk.net.