Vicar recruits task force to help preserve historic St Collen's

* St Collen's parish church should become more of a tourist
attraction/experience, believes the vicar. 

Llangollen’s go-ahead vicar is putting together a special task force to help preserve a vital part of the town’s heritage.

Father Lee Taylor (pictured below) has made an appeal for volunteers from Llangollen to form a steering group to make the historic parish church of St Collen’s more of a tourist attraction or experience.

Father Lee, who took over at the church late last year and has since introduced a number of new ideas, said: “I am hoping that the group will bring together a diverse group of people - of all faiths or none - who have experience in grant applications, tourism, history, architecture, electrical work and so on.

“They will work on fundraising, making bids to Heritage Lottery and other charities. 

“I am looking for people to contribute their time, not money. There are no other expectations.

“It is really voluntary work – not necessarily for the church – but for preserving a crucial part of history for this town.

“Our carved oak ceiling is one of the wonders of Wales. It dates back to 1450, before Michelangelo began work on painting the Sistine Chapel. It has many intricate figures and characters that tell fascinating stories.” 

Father Lee, who recently organised a colourful parade through the town and service of dedication to St Collen as patron saint and the man the town is named after, added: “Our hope is to get a better lighting system that brings out all these details, bringing the stories to life and giving a real impact on all who come through our doors.

“We are a dynamic, bustling town here In Llangollen - a tourist destination for people from all over the world who come here to experience the steam railway, the canal and aqueduct, the many festivals, the abbey and castle ruins, the famous walking routes and of course the International Eisteddfod. 

“I believe that the church should always reflect the community in which it is placed.

“As part of a tourist town, St Collen's needs to play its role in engaging with those who delight in history and architecture.”

* Anyone interested in joining Father Lee’s steering group can email him at: frleetaylor@hotmail.co.uk