St Denys Church Saved: Eaton Village Celebrates

0:00It's April 19th. This is Lester News today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Cory with the story. Big news from Eaton Village in the Melton District, vital funding just landed for St. Dennis Church, a great I listed gym that's been hanging by A. Thread. Thread? The National Church's trust shipped in 24,515 pounds to fix up the unstable tower and keep this historic spot from, closing its doors. This church dates back to the 1100s, with tweaks from the 13 and 1500s, and it boasts one of England's rare ironstone. Spires. It's been on historic England's hair to their risk register at priority. A level, meaning rapid decay was knocking if repairs didn't happen. Fast bell ringing stopped for safety. Local volunteers stepped up big time, rallying the Eaton community not just for fixes, but to make the church sustainable long term. Their effort sparked side projects on swifts, bats, wildflowers and village history, turning

1:00a rescue mission into a community vibe. Now with the cash, crews will swap out around 300 eroded stones in the tower, restore three pinnacles, repoint stonework with lime mortar, and add an accessible toilet with baby changing spots. Reverend Susan Bradley says it'll yank the church off that at-risk list and get those bells ringing safely again. Local church's trust, chief Claire Walker calls it a win for heritage, and locals needing worship space or services. This keeps St. Anise thriving, bells echoing over Eaton for years ahead.