rory supports fundraising efforts in aid of st lawrence’s church appleby
During his tour of Appleby Horse Fair on Saturday 5th June 2010 Penrith and the Border MP Rory Stewart found time to visit Appleby residents and members of St Lawrence’s Church at a fundraising event timed to coincide with the Fair. The church was open for refreshments from Friday through to Monday.
Mr Stewart enjoyed a cup of tea and home-baking and chatted to the team of hard-working volunteers, raising money for essential electrical rewiring work at St Lawrence’s.
He commented: “It’s marvellous to see the church open its doors on this very busy weekend, and to welcome visitors from all over Britain. The volunteers have worked extremely hard to prepare and run this fundraising effort, and I am very happy to be supporting it. Funds raised will go towards essential upgrading of St Lawrence’s electrical system, and I shall be delighted to show my support at future fundraising events.”
Pat Shuttleworth, Appleby resident and volunteer, said: “This is absolutely essential electrical work, and we have only just begun to raise money. We aim to raise £80,000 for this work to take place, and welcome all support. We chose to run this event during the weekend of Appleby Horse Fair and open the church to gypsy and traveller visitors. We very much want them to feel welcome during the Fair, the atmosphere of which has improved tremendously since it has been supported by the various agencies including, of course, representatives from the traveller communities themselves.”
The weekend’s fundraising event raised £1,500 for the rewiring work – still some way off the target of £80,000. Anyone wishing to donate, or know more about St Lawrence’s fundraising efforts, should contact the Reverend Sarah Lunn at Long Marton Rectory, Back Lane, Long Marton, Appleby-in-Westmorland.
