Croglin is hosting an activity day later this month to raise funds towards reopening its disused church as a community asset.
There will be a host of things to do between 1pm and 4pm on Sunday, July 24, including orienteering courses, a tour of the churchyard revealing who lived in Croglin 150 years ago and a guided walk to the top of Blotting Raise.
Everything is at, or starts from, the village hall on the main road through Croglin where refreshments will be served including home-baked cakes.
There is no charge for taking part – instead, participants will be able to make a voluntary donation.
Ruth Lawley, who has lived in Croglin since the 1980s, chairs The Helm at Croglin – the group formed to revitalise the church, a listed building that has stood empty since it closed in 2012.
She said: “The aim of the activity day is to provide something for everyone regardless of age or physical aptitude.
“There will be two orienteering courses suitable for groups, families and individuals, children’s games, a tombola and a raffle.
“The churchyard tour will be a real eye-opener, throwing a spotlight on Croglin’s past going back almost 800 years.
“People will also be able to view a line drawing of Croglin Church by Alfred Wainwright, the celebrated walking guide author and illustrator, recently purchased at auction by some of our supporters.
“The event finishes at 4pm with, weather permitting, a guided walk to Blotting Raise, at 1,942ft one of the finest viewpoints in the North Pennines.”
The Church of St John the Baptist will open for people to visit and find out more about the plans to repurpose it.
The Helm at Croglin has agreed in principle plans to lease the building from the Church of England at a nominal rent and is in the process of applying for grants to cover renovation and conversion work.
Ruth said: “All being well, we hope to open The Helm at Croglin next year. The plan is to house a permanent exhibition showcasing the history and natural environment of the North Pennines and to provide a flexible space that can be hired or used by school and other groups, and to host exhibitions.
“We’ve already asked local people how the church should be used but it’s not too late to feed-in ideas. We’ll have questionnaires available on the day and we’re keen to hear from everyone whether they live in Croglin or not.”
