A CHURCH in Knutsford with ambitious plans for the future will be inviting the town to see them on Friday while at the same time hoping to raise funds by holding a Christmas fair.

There will be a Christmas fair at St John’s on Friday from 5pm to 8pm – the same time as the town’s Christmas festivities are in full swing (for more turn to page two).

But the fair will also feature a display of the latest drawings and artists’ impressions of the proposed design.

These include a new view of the front of the church with stained glass windows in their new position – cleaned, brightly lit and facing the Church Hill and the town for the first time.

The church also hopes to get permission to replace the Victorian pews.

John Lee, churchwarden, said: “Friday will be another chance to see the plans we have for the building.

“Our architect’s vision is to return the building to its Georgian splendour, while making it practical for modern needs.

“With oak floors, new lighting and comfortable seating, it will be a marvellous facility for the church and wider community.

“We’d love as many people as possible to come and see the latest pictures we have on display.”

Helen Kimber, from the church, said: “The fair is not only about raising the money for the project but also getting people in to see the plans.

“We want to show that we are not gutting the place but instead restoring the church to its former glory.

“People have always talked about making more of this place, and I work here and the number of times you see and hear people saying it’s an empty building – that hurts to hear because it is a vibrant church with lots going on.”

Rev Nigel Atkinson said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome the town to share our exciting plans for the building – a building which when refurbished will be a beacon of Christian witness in Knutsford – spiritually and architecturally.”

The fair will feature something for all the family – including stalls selling gifts, jewellery, cards, craft making, paintings, bring and buy and toys, as well as giving visitors the chance to sing Christmas carols.

Refreshments, including hot dogs, cakes and mince pies will also be served. If granted permission, the project is expected to be under way in 2013.

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