IT has been raining pennies on a Bridgnorth church this week – 150,000 of them to exact!
For the St Mary’s Church floor appeal has been given a £1,500 boost by an anonymous donor after a package landed on the rector’s doorstep.
The Rev Simon Cawdell (pictured) sent the padded envelope to Heather Walters, the chairman of the restoration trust, who was amazed to discover the cash, all in £10 notes and wrapped into three bundles of £500 each.
There was no legible postmark on the envelope and an unsigned type-written note inside, leaving both the rector and Mrs Walters completely puzzled as to where it had come from and who had sent it.
‘I have always greatly admired the work of Thomas Telford (who built St Mary’s) and I am sorry to find that urgent funding is needed to keep the church in good repair,’ states the donor.
He or she adds that they ‘appreciate it is only a small sum’, but hopes the money will help in some way.
“I put Heather Walters name on it and sent it to her,” explained the rector. “She phoned me on Saturday and said would I like to see the contents.
“I found two breakfast cereal cardboard pieces inside with the money in between and the anonymous note on the outside.
“I was delighted and amazed,” he added. “There is no way of identifying who it has come from, but we would like to thank them very much indeed.”
The donation means that more than £2,000 was raised last week towards the £200,000-plus appeal to replace the 250-year-old timber floor with a new tiled and timber surface. Architectural and archaeological fees are likely to be added to the final bill.
Mr Cawdell said that a concert, croquet afternoon and charity stall had raised £530.
The raised floor has become dangerous in places through rot, and worm and beetle infestation. It is expected that the work, which will also include underfloor heating, will be carried out next year or in 2012, so that funds can be raised and church bookings are not affected.