One Church, One Community – not so much a slogan but more of a battle cry from Corby Glen church-wardens Mick Franklin and Sue Glover. Their vision, with the Parochial Church Council and others, is to fully develop the marvellous potential offered by the Church of St John the Evangelist, for the benefit of the whole community of Corby Glen, present and future.
The church has stood on the highest point in the village for over 850 years. Having undergone renovations and expansions over the centuries, it retains much of its historical and architectural significance. Today it offers visitors the chance to view a remarkable series of medieval wallpaintings
of great rarity due to the topics being depicted.
Unfortunately, as with many heritage listed buildings, much needs to be done in order to develop the building to better serve people in the 21st century. Challenges and opportunities abound in equal measure; so, to help support this project, a new group has been formed: the Friends of Corby Glen Church.
The church needs much work, not only to protect the internationally significant history within, but to bring its infrastructure into the modern age. This then is the key aim of the Friends team, to help deliver a building fit for a community to use imaginatively and flexibly, for national celebrations, concerts, tourism, exhibitions, lectures and more, while continuing to serve as the one remaining church for the people of Corby Glen.
The launch of the scheme will be on Friday 21st April, in Corby Glen Church, starting at 7pm. The evening will include guided tours of the church including a detailed look at the wall paintings, plus an exhibition of the plans for the development of the building as a community asset. We want people to come along and get involved, meet the team, enjoy a glass of wine and refreshments, and let us know your thoughts.
So, please come to our launch meeting and be a part of something truly exciting and special.
Peter Lackey
One of the Friends of Corby Glen Church