St John the Baptist Church here in Billesdon was originally built around 1250 with substantial renovations and alterations between 1861 and 1865. However, with every old building there is a constant need to maintain it in a good condition so that it does not deteriorate.
In the last couple of years this has involved some major expenses, particularly with the cost of a new boiler at £19,000 and the installation of a new sound system,
But the Church has also completed a new disabled access with a pathway starting behind the Old School which gives a level entry upto the doors of the Church. The Church stands high up at the top of Church Street with steep steps up to the front of the Church, or a sloping entry to the North so it was difficult to access in a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
All these costs have been a drain on reserves but the contribution of the successful Fete and other fundraisers help the church to continue to provide a support to the village and the surrounding area, including supporting the work of the planned playground renovations.
See more about that here: