MS and MP back St Collen's fundraising campaign

* Ken Skates MS is briefed on the fundraising campaign by project manager Sue Evans.  

An iconic Llangollen church’s fundraising campaign is being backed by its local Member of the Senedd and Member of Parliament. 

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates visited St Collen's to hear more about plans to preserve and reorder the Grade I-listed church.

Volunteers involved with the Genesis project have already raised thousands of pounds themselves and have been busy applying for grants to breathe new life into ‘one of the most architecturally and culturally important landmarks in the region’.

“This is a hugely important local landmark and I wish the team every success in their campaign to conserve St Collen’s, and in particular its nationally significant medieval ceiling,” said Mr Skates.

“The church is one of the most architecturally and culturally important landmarks in the region, and I’m proud to get behind this campaign however I can.”

* ... and is shown by the ornate and historic ceiling of the church.

Clwyd East MP Becky Gittins said: “Not only is St Collen’s Church historically significant to our area, but it plays a hugely important role within the community. I was delighted to have the opportunity to learn more about the conservation plans at my recent surgery and want to support the team in their work over the coming months.”

Project manager Sue Evans said: “At the heart of the church is a rare and intricately carved timber ceiling, considered among the finest in Wales. However, this unique feature is at risk without specialist conservation, and securing adequate funding for its protection is now a pressing priority.”

Alongside the conservation work, the reordering project will modernise and adapt the interior of the church, creating an accessible and flexible space which will host a range of activities including arts and cultural events, school and youth performances, wellbeing and support groups and exhibitions, public talks and educational workshops.

Sue added: “Despite enthusiastic support from the community and initial fundraising efforts, we are now facing a significant shortfall and are applying to the National Lottery Heritage Fund to help with reordering and Cadw for the ceiling.

“Ken and Becky’s endorsements add great weight to our applications and helps demonstrate the strength of support for this vital heritage and community investment.”

Mr Skates said: “This project is not just about restoring a building – it’s about revitalising a much-loved community space and ensuring that future generations can both benefit from and take pride in this extraordinary piece of Welsh history.”

Any individuals or local businesses who would like to donate can contact Sue at: stcollens@gmail.com