St Cuthbert’s Church in Darlington appeals to woodworkers

St Cuthbert’s Church, which is currently undergoing a £2.5 million refurbishment project, has revealed it still requires around £50,000 to cover costs.

Organisers are now looking for assistance in creating handcrafted items from oak reclaimed from the church’s original Victorian pews to turn them into items such as picture frames, key fobs, pens, crosses, and other small gifts. The church also has oak slats suitable for engraving.

Pews at St Cuthbert’s Church, Darlington (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Items made will be sold at church events and through other fundraising channels, and all funds raised will go toward its Opening Doors Project.

Kerry Jonas, community fundraising lead at St Cuthbert’s, said: “I think this will be a wonderful way to have a memento of a special event that people may have held or attended at St Cuthbert’s.

“It would be lovely to celebrate a photograph from a wedding or a christening by having a photograph frame made out of pews. I will definitely want to buy a key fob engraved with a St Cuthbert’s cross.”

Kerry Jonas (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

During the construction period, the church building will be closed, but St Cuthbert’s itself will remain open, with worship and community life continuing at nearby venues.

Anyone interested in getting involved, or seeking more information, is directed to contact Kerry Jonas at kerry.jonas@stcuthbertsdarlington.org.uk.