TV Comedian Helps Church Appeal

A chance meeting between a TV personality and the churchwarden of St Peter’s Church, Berkhamsted, while on holiday has led to an unusual raffle prize as the church begins its renovation appeal.

Jim Moir (better known as comedian Vic Reeves) has generously donated a print to the fundraiser.

St Peter’s Church has stood on Berkhamsted High Street for 800 years. It’s a cherished local landmark and a hub of the community, where generations have held weddings and baptised their children.

The music of choral evensong fills the historic nave, music lovers enjoy concerts there, people gather to celebrate Christmas and Easter, and the bells are the heartbeat of the town. The annual spectacle of the Berkhamsted Festival of Light, when the church is filled with candles, has a magic all of its own.

However, caring for a historic building is a challenge, and right now St Peter’s has a leaking roof – rainwater is getting in and damaging ancient memorials. The church needs to raise about half a million pounds to get this fixed – fundraising to date has included concerts, lasagne evenings and other events.

This year there’s a raffle, with a chance to win a limited-edition artwork by Jim Moir/Vic Reeves.

Raffle tickets will be on sale at St Peter’s on Sundays after the morning service, at the fundraising Art & Craft Fair in the Court House on Saturday 22 November, and at the town carol service on Saturday 13 December. They can also be bought from the parish office at churchoffice@greatberkhamsted.org.uk.

The renovation appeal is still at an early stage while St Peter’s seeks funding opportunities. It is hoped to start work in the next two years, depending on the outcome of fundraising.

You can also make a donation to the appeal at www.stpetersberkhamsted.org.uk/donate.