The LeicesterShire Historic Churches Trust (LHCT) was welcomed at St. Peter’s Church in Gaulby recently for the first in a series of events to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
Bishop Martyn and Richard Clowes DL, representing the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, were among the 35 guests, which included people from churches and chapels throughout south-east Leicestershire.
It was an earlier Bishop of Leicester and Lord-Lieutenant, together with the Lord Mayor of Leicester, who helped set up the Trust in January 1964.
The LeicesterShire Historic Churches Trusts raises funds to give grants to historic churches and chapels of all Christian denominations throughout Leicester and Leicestershire.
Janet Arthur, chair of LHCT, gave a presentation on the Trust’s work, followed by a lively Q&A and refreshments provided by Gaulby church members.
Janet said: “St Peter’s Gaulby was very appropriate for our first event as it has received grants from the Trust for repairs and also for a major reordering project.
“This means that this Grade II* parish church, which is open every day, is a place of worship and also a hub for community events. It has a toilet, a little kitchen and a fridge. The fridge is particularly important on the first Friday of every month when the church becomes The Gaulby Arms pub for the evening.”
Janet gave thanks to Jo Wilkinson and Hilary Painter for their help organising the evening at St Peter’s Church and said: “We look forward to continuing the celebrations during our 60th anniversary year.”
* Other 60th anniversary events will be: Wednesday 20 March, 7pm-8.30pm at Houghton-on-the-Hill Methodist Church. Thursday 11 April, 5.30pm-7pm at St Margaret’s Church, Leicester. Thursday 13 June, 6.30pm-8pm at St Luke’s Church, Laughton. Friday 28 June, 7pm-9pm at St Michael & All Angels Church, Eastwell. Thursday 4 July, 6.30pm-8pm at St Botolph’s Church, Shepshed. Date tbc in the autumn at Baptist Church, Market Harborough. Date tbc for a Thanksgiving Service.
If your church is on the western side Leicestershire, and you would like to host an event for LHCT, please get in touch with Janet on chairman@lhct.org.uk or 07840 543288.
For more information about LHCT see www.lhct.org.uk