Parish of Guildford
Revival Coming to Guildford
Pre-loved treasures could help restore a national treasure in the heart of Guildford. All profits from Revival Guildford, a new monthly event buying and selling pre-loved items, will go to the St Matthew’s Anglican Church National Trust restoration fund.
The historic church has been standing in Stirling Square Guildford serving the community for more than 150 years, but those years have taken a toll and restoration work is urgently required.
The Revd Katrina Holgate said the church received significant cracking in the 1968 Meckering earthquake and while some repairs were undertaken at the time, the cracking has increased and worsened throughout the church and hall.
As well as tackling cracks, other priorities include repainting the hall - used by Guildford Family Playgroup and other community groups - and levelling the parking area to improve site drainage and direct water away from foundations.
Local resident Steph Radis was saddened to see and hear about the state of the building and has got together with locals Deanna Rokich and Ward Hellewell to help the church fundraise.
“I thought a novel way of fundraising on a monthly basis would be to host an event where sellers could pay $20 each for a stall in the hall, with the money going to the church,” she said.
“The stalls will alternate monthly between clothing and bric-a-brac for sale from vendors much like myself who want to think wisely about what they really need to keep.
“Everyone wins or benefits here, from the vendors who make extra cash by selling preloved items taking up space, to buyers who bag a bargain and importantly, the church for its much-needed restoration.
“It’s a great community vibe.”
Katrina said she was thrilled by the support and hoped it would help enable the church to continue to serve the community for years to come.
Deanna Rokich, Ward Hellewell, Katrina Holgate and Steph Radis outside St Matthew’s Church in Guildford
Meckering cracks – Deanna Rokich, Steph Radis, Ward Hellewell and Katrina Holgate stand by cracking caused by Meckering earthquake
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The first Revival Guildford event is centred on clothing, shoes and accessories. It is on at the hall in Stirling Square Guildford on Saturday 15 August, 8.30am-12.30pm. Entry is via gold coin donation. Free parking is available at nearby Guildford Train Station.
Media contact:
Steph Radis 0411 552 012
revival6055@gmail.com
Restoration fund link: www.ntwa.com.au/give-to-ntwa/st-matthews-garrison-church-guildford/
St Matthew, Guildford
St Matthew’s is a growing active church, seeking to grow in the likeness of Christ and we welcome new members and visitors.
