ST MARY’s, Astbury, in Cheshire, has taken the “difficult decision” to suspend services and close for three months to reduce heating bills over the coldest winter months.

One of the largest in the diocese, the medieval church is a landmark next in size to Chester Cathedral and has been described as one of the county’s architectural glories.

The £11,500 monthly running cost is not matched by its £8500 monthly income, and so the church has launched a £1-million appeal for essential repairs to the stonework and internal fabric. A statement says: “The church belongs to the whole community, whether you attend regularly, pop in occasionally or simply enjoy seeing it there every day.

“We’re therefore appealing to everyone in the village and beyond to help us meet this challenge. With the community’s support, we believe this much loved landmark can continue to serve and inspire for centuries to come. Together, let’s make sure the church remains standing strong at the heart of our village.”

“It’s a big barn of a building but an amazing one,” the Rector, the Revd Heather Carter, said on Tuesday. She has been in post for eight months. “It was limping along when I came, but now we need to act decisively,” she said.

“It can’t be sustained just by the faithful few. Not holding services for three months gives us chance to take stock and reflect on where we stand. Where are we going? What’s our vision? How do we become more sustainable?”

The congregation has been invited to worship at the daughter church of St John’s, Smallwood. The action has been put in the journeying context of the Epiphany readings, and the star from the church’s live nativity performance led people to St John’s on Sunday.

Services at St Mary’s will resume on Palm Sunday. On concerns that worshippers might not return, Ms Carter reflects: “Churches closed during Covid. People either came back or they didn’t. New people came. We’re like the Wise Men, following a star and not a map.”

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