VILLAGERS on a quest to breathe new life into a much-loved church building in Riding Mill turned out in force for a fund-raising event on Sunday.

Music in the Park was held in the parish hall and its grounds, with live music from singers and musicians, who performed on indoor and outdoor stages – despite the showers.

The community gathering was organised by members of the St James’s Church Cottage fund-raising group, which has already raised in excess of £10,000 to help provide a new roof and refurbish the historic village meeting place.

“I think the church cottage was built in 1828 and is certainly in need of some TLC,” said Ena Clark, who was one of the co-ordinators of the event.

“It’s used mainly for church coffees and the mother and toddler group meets there every week, but it could be used so much more.”

Among the other necessary improvements on the list is to ensure the building has disabled access.

To that end, the Music in the Park event was organised to replace a planned garden walkabout event, which couldn’t go ahead after only three villagers came forward offering the use of their gardens.

Among those performing was 16-year-old villager Eleanor Sunderland, who impressed the crowds by singing her heart out and playing guitar in an outdoor marquee.

Acoustic duo Fools Gold, harpist Judith Anderson and a quartet formed by villagers Colin and Di Dickinson and friends, also got feet tapping.

North-East anthems such as The Blaydon Races and Keep your feet still Geordie hinny were performed by Riding Mill Choral Society, while youngsters from Broomhaugh First School, accompanied by headteacher Jen Stephenson, also sang for spectators.

Organist Marc Bryant took to the stage in the hall, followed by brothers Sam (violin) and Will Allcock (guitar), and other talented youngsters from the
village who attracted a crowd.

Circle dancing in the hall and refreshments provided by Linda Shepherd and her team of volunteers completed the afternoon.

“The weather was cold and wet, so that will have had an impact, but we’re very happy to have raised in excess of £700,” Ena added.