Shropshire Horticultural Society Make Major Donation to the Building and Beyond Campaign

The ‘Building and Beyond’ campaign was launched by St Chad’s Church following an inspection report which highlighted that the church tower is in danger of collapse if remedial work is not carried out in the very near future. St Chad's Church overlooks Quarry Park, home to the Shrewsbury Flower Show and is the only Grade 1 Listed circular Georgian church in the country, retaining its original interior.

Shropshire Horticultural Society Chairman, Brian Goodwin said: “Our society is well known as organisers of the annual Flower Show; however as a registered charity, we support many worthy causes and this restoration work is crucial to retain one of our most historical and much loved landmarks.”

Urgent work is needed to conserve the tower, repairing long-term damage to the lead, stonework and bricks by water, weather and frost, as well as prevent further damage to the interior by making the church weatherproof. The donation by the Shropshire Horticultural Society will go towards this specific restoration work.

Campaign Chairman Peter Flint said: “This is a significant donation and we are thankful to the Shropshire Horticultural Society for their commitment to our cause. Our congregation has made a generous start to the fundraising and the Friends of St Chad's have also contributed a major gift but generous support is much needed to reach our target to complete the work.”

The target for the campaign is £2.5 million which will restore the church to its former 18th century glory but provide modern facilities for the congregation and visitors, together with the restoration and modernisation of the church organ.

For those interested in supporting the Building and Beyond campaign, please visit www.stchadscampaign.org.uk.

For more information on the Shrewsbury Flower Show visit www.shrewsburyflowershow.org.uk.