Appeal launched to repair stained glass window at Heights Chapel

Heights Chapel

AN APPEAL has been launched to repair a stained glass window at a historic Saddleworth church.

And the group responsible for restoring St Thomas’ at Friarmere – known as Heights Chapel – insists things are moving forward, despite apologising for a lack of contact.

The Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) has plans to bring the ‘austere Georgian church built in 1765 back into more regular use.

Community meetings have been held with a view of mapping out the way forward for the building, which sits above Delph.

But more immediately, the CCT is launching a fundraising campaign to raise £7,000 for the much-needed repair of St Thomas’ Window.

Mark Sproat, lead local community officer of the CCT’s north region, said: “This historic chapel was once the cornerstone of our community and the window, a beautiful and significant feature, has suffered from damage recently, due mainly to the exposed position of the church along with a touch of old age.

“Having spoken to local people both at the community events last year and since it was suggested that CCT create a campaign and try to raise the money required, we’ve done that.

“The repairs will restore its integrity, preserving both its artistic value and its position in the spiritual and cultural history of the area.

“The funds raised will be used to carefully repair and restore the window, ensuring it continues to be a symbol of heritage for generations to come.

“The restoration will be done by skilled craftsmen who specialise in historic glass, ensuring that the work is carried out with the utmost care and respect for the chapel’s history.”

Meetings were held to discuss the future of St Thomas’ early in 2024 – but not much has been heard about it since.

Doors and frames to the west façade are set to be installed after being repaired.

And Mr Sproat is adamant things are progressing, albeit at a slower pace.

He added: “Many of you will have attended either or both community meetings held in the church hall at St Thomas’s in Delph back in the beginning of 2024 and will have since been frustrated by the lack of progress and follow up contact since those meetings.

“I’d like to apologise for that, there are many reasons and causes for this but the crux of the matter is it’s been too long since you last heard from me or CCT.

“I have maintained contact with one or two individuals over the last 12 months, discussing the various issues and matters that have arisen in that time and have explained to some that things have been progressing, though I admit very slowly.

“Right now, I feel we are much further forward than we were.

“We work with established and experienced contractors, many of which we have a relationship going back years to ensure that all works to our Grade 1 or 2* historic buildings are done to the highest heritage standard.

“This and the need to source conservation materials often means jobs that appear simple and straightforward can be more complex.”

*YOU can donate to the appeal to repair St Thomas’ window by clicking https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/donate.html?project=st-thomas-window-heights-chapel-friarmere.