Christ Church Macclesfield's role as a much-valued community asset was clearly demonstrated recently, when it hosted an innovative ‘Pitch in a Pew’ indoor car boot sale, to help raise funds towards its continued use and anticipated future upgrade. Local MP, David Rutley, visited on the day, to wish success to this positive venture.
The sale was organised thanks to the Roe-naissance Project, which aims to help develop a new, long-term purpose within the local community for Christ Church, which was taken out of service as a place of worship many years ago. Over twenty-five stall-holders, selling a variety of wares, goods and bric-a-brac, were present, with each seller situated inside one of the church's historic box pews, which the organisers realised would be well suited to this purpose.
At the well-attended event, at which over 300 people visited throughout the day, £350.00 was raised towards future events organisation. David spoke with representatives from the Roe-naissance Project, including Dan Lancaster, who came up with the idea for the car boot sale, who explained that the hope is for this to become a regular event in the local calendar, helping to boost footfall and raising funds for important and much-needed improvements to the church building, including the installation of toilets and running water, as well as a small kitchen area. David pledged his continued support for the Project's work, and will seek to attend future meetings with the Roe-naissance Project team, and the Churches Conservation Trust.
Speaking after the event, David said, "As the indoor car boot sale demonstrated, there is great potential to developing a more viable and sustainable role within the local community for historic Christ Church. I thank all those on the Roe-naissance Project team for their continued commitment to Christ Church, and hope to see many more events at the church in the year ahead."