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Preserving Heritage and Green Spaces
Local Parbold church group, awarded Ralph Brocklehurst Legacy Funding
We are delighted to announce The Burial Ground Working Group at Christ Church in Parbold is the latest recipient of the Ralph Brocklehurst Legacy Fund, receiving £1,000 towards the replacement of fencing and other improvements as part of the church’s burial ground extension project.
The burial ground at Christ Church, also known as the “Church on the Hill,” is a cherished community space, offering a place of remembrance, reflection, and natural beauty. However, the existing fencing along the northernmost boundary is in a state of disrepair. Thanks to the Legacy Fund grant, alongside a contribution from Parbold Parish Council, this work can now be completed – preserving the site for future use and ensuring it remains a safe, natural space for the community to continue to enjoy.
To mark the award, Chairman of the Burial Ground Working Group, May Blake, welcomed representatives from Christ Church Parbold and the Working Group to express their gratitude to the Fund’s trustees. She said:
“I am delighted to be here this morning as Chairman of the Burial Ground Working Group to welcome Jonathon Hickling and Derek Ashcroft, members of the Christ Church Parbold Working Group.
“On behalf of Christ Church Parbold, I would like to express our grateful thanks to the Trustees of the Ralph Brocklehurst Legacy Fund for their generous donation of £1,000, together with a small donation from Parbold Parish Council, towards the much-needed replacement fencing on site. The existing fencing is in a bad state of disrepair, and the replacement fencing will help ensure the safety of those visiting the graves of loved ones.”
The Burial Ground Working Group, which includes Jonathon Hickling, Derek Ashcroft, Kim Woods, and Margaret Atherton, is a voluntary group dedicated to maintaining the improving the church’s vast grounds. Their ongoing work is ensuring that the burial ground extension is completed with care and respect for its surroundings, while creating a safe space for the community to enjoy for generations to come.
Georgina Lynch, Managing Director of PJ Livesey, added: “The Burial Ground Working group tipifies what the Ralph Brocklehurst Fund is all about. A fantastic group of people working incredibly hard to make a difference in their village. Christ Church is a staple of the local community, and it’s important that groups like this get the right support to help maintain and improve the green spaces that we all cherish in our communities.
“We welcome all sorts of applications for the fund – any individuals or groups working on projects to improve community green spaces or gardens, big or small are encouraged to get in touch! As developers, we have a duty of care to support and help improve the communities in the locations we work in, whether that’s Parbold, Macclesfield, Portsmouth, or York.”
The former Convent of Notre Dame, just outside the lovely West Lancashire village of Parbold, which has just been named one of The Sunday Times’ Best Places to Live, is being transformed into a collection of beautifully converted historic buildings and originally designed new homes. Situated just a 10-minute walk from Parbold village centre, The Retreat will offer great local amenities and convenient transport links.
The grounds of this 6.5-acre site will be just as significant as the properties, providing a place for residents to relax and recharge. The mature trees will be retained, hedged walkways and formal gardens will be restored, paths reopened, and new areas of reflection and contemplation created.
The Ralph Brocklehurst Legacy Fund continues to support community-led projects that protect and enhance green spaces and heritage sites. To find out more about the fund and how to appliy, please click here