TWO SPECIAL events were held last weekend to launch an appeal to rebuild an 800-year-old church in Ropley after it was devastated by a fire in 2014.

Since the fire when the medieval St Peter’s, which for centuries had been a focal point in the centre of the village, was destroyed, the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and an appointed architect have been working tirelessly to re-develop the church building.

The group wants to build something which will reflect the past and provide all the facilities that are needed for future generations.

The church has taken a huge leap forward with these plans and is now pleased to announce that with all the necessary permissions in place they are ready to move on to the rebuild phase of the project.

Church officials have now launched their St Peter’s Appeal Fund with the initial fundraising target set at £500,000.

The PCC has been working with architect John Alexander, of Alexander Designs, and alongside other agencies to make the church rebuild possible.

Two special events were organised to launch the appeal last weekend, where guests could hear more about the new plans for the church site in the village.

The first event and launch was held last Friday, where visitors could enjoy wine before the second event last Saturday, which included an afternoon lunch with tea and cakes.

The PCC welcomed the Bishop of Basingstoke, the Right Reverend David Williams, who joined them for the evening event.

Both events were held in Ropley Parish Hall.

Officials behind the new appeal believe there are huge numbers of people who no longer live in the area but have links with the church through baptisms, weddings, confirmations, funerals and involvement with other church organisations and events, who they hope will also back the appeal and help to swell the funds donated.

The reconstruction of the church, a Grade II listed building, comes after it was nearly completely destroyed by a fire in June 2014.

The devastation was extensive and almost nothing of the interior or roof has survived – even the contents of the church safe were exposed to such heat that only fragments of the register survived.

If you would like to find out more about the appeal or to make a donation, e-mail [email protected] or visit the website: www.raise stpeters.uk