Surprise £2k donation aids Cradley church restoration

The reverend at St Peter's Church in Cradley was staggered when the woman handed over a bundle of notes after seeing an appeal in the Chronicle.

The cash will go towards repairs to the huge clock and organ which will be new additions after being salvaged from St Luke's Church in Reddal Hill, Stourbridge, following its demolition.

The woman who made the large donation lives locally and wishes to remain anonymous.

Reverend Katryn Leclezio said: "I was absolutely astounded at the thick bundle of notes which was handed over to me.

“I had expected £50 or so, but wasn’t expecting this gift which is a quarter of what we are trying to raise.

"She has lived a long time in the community and just wanted to help.

"She is not a rich person but has been careful with her money all her life.

"To be handed over that amount of money was quite something."

Church leaders are hoping to hang the historic clock from the building. St Peter's has never had a exterior clock.

The church has been without an organ since 2011, with its blower and fan in need of repair. The congregation has had to make do with a keyboard.

The clock needs some repair work to its glass, and as well as being lifted into place, the church hopes it can be linked with the current ring of eight bells so that it chimes at the correct times – and that it will be illuminated at night.

Reverend Leclezio is continuing to appeal for donations to aid the restoration bid.

She said: “I would like to appeal to people of the area who have enjoyed the services of St Peter’s Compton Organ in the past to donate to this cause so that the organ can be restored to use for future generations.

"The number of weddings at St Peter’s is slowly increasing and we have a significant number of funerals. The organ adds so much to these important moments in peoples’ lives."

Donations can be made at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/compton-organ-refurbishment.