Fundraising fun continues apace at historic Rugby village church

Hot on the heels of a celebration of fine fashion through the ages, a different kind of design will be the focus of a church’s next fundraising event.
By Richard Howarth
Published 4th Apr 2023, 12:16 BST
Updated 4th Apr 2023, 12:35 BST
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The Advertiser reported last year about the major work going on to restore St Nicholas Church in Willoughby and also to bring its facilities up to date – and that has seen a rich variety of events to boost the money received from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the restoration and from other sources.

Last week saw the fashion show – with the twist of churchwarden Karen Nichols dressing up in memorable outfits from the past between the main features – but on Sunday, April 16, anything goes when it holds a scarecrow festival.

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This runs from 1.30pm-4.30pm, with families and village organisations invited to build a scarecrow to be displayed in the church.

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    Back to the future... Willoughby churchwarden Karen Nichols brought history to life at last Thursday's fashion show as she donned a variety of outfits from across the decades.Back to the future... Willoughby churchwarden Karen Nichols brought history to life at last Thursday's fashion show as she donned a variety of outfits from across the decades.
    Back to the future... Willoughby churchwarden Karen Nichols brought history to life at last Thursday's fashion show as she donned a variety of outfits from across the decades.

    There will also be crafts for children to make crowns and Commonwealth flags for the coronation, refreshments – plus a prize for the best scarecrow.

    In terms of the said the ongoing projects, Mrs Nichols said things were going well and the village has continued to receive good news: “Our nave roof is complete and looking amazing as is the stonework repairs to date – we still have some more to do there.

    “We have started the community garden using volunteers and the area is nearly all dug over.

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    "Our next step is to lay concrete slabs for a seating area with a very special feature from the church.”

    A dramatic moment from the church's Tudor Shrove Tuesday event.A dramatic moment from the church's Tudor Shrove Tuesday event.
    A dramatic moment from the church's Tudor Shrove Tuesday event.

    Other recent events have included a Tudor Shrove Tuesday event in the church and churchyard, with children having a go at jousting, courtesy of a giant scarecrow, jousts and hobby horses, plus pancakes in church.

    This spirit will be repeated in a heritage weekend in July which also has a Viking re-enactment, morris dancers, birds of prey, hula hooping and circus skills, among others.

    In terms of the further good news, Mrs Nichols said: “In addition, the village hall has also managed to secure just over £9,000 towards a new kitchen from the Lottery Community Fund.

    "So we are a very lucky village. This is on top of another grant and work can start here as enough funds are in place now.

    "Community-wise it is a pretty amazing village.”

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