Garden fundraiser to replace church roof

The next stage in the drive to replace the roof of St Mary’s parish church in Macosquin takes place this weekend when parishioners and friends hold a fundraiser in the elegant surroundings of Walworth House in Ballykelly (pictured). Parishioners have been busy since the start of the year devising creative ways to raise the finance needed for this ambitious project. They have already collected around £20,000 through a ‘sell as slate’ project and other initiatives. Their next major event will see the beautiful walled gardens in Walworth House being opened to the public on Sunday 31st May. Afternoon teas will be served from 2.00-5.00 pm, and there will be other attractions including vintage cars, a variety of stalls and activities for all ages. St Mary’s is one of the oldest Plantation churches in Northern Ireland. Built in 1620 on the site of a twelfth-century Cistercian monastery, it has played a prominent role at the heart of Macosquin village and community life for almost 400 years. The Select Vestry are extremely grateful to Mrs Noreen Brown of Walworth House for opening her garden to support the parish. They hope the event will attract garden lovers and other visitors from all parts of the Province who may be willing to help their efforts to preserve the church building for future generations. For more information, contact the Rector of St Mary's Parish, Rev Canon Michael Roemmele, on 07977 239863 or by emailing [email protected]