Helen Bradstock, St Helens:

Your cover story last week (Grave Shame) prompts me to write a letter of thanks - thanks to all those who give their time and talents voluntarily to the upkeep of our village churches and churchyards.

Those that serve as churchwardens and on church councils, and on rotas for cleaning and flower arrangement, do this work for the whole community.

They feel themselves custodians of these heritage buildings, and their grounds.

They do so without financial support from the diocese, or from the wider Church of England – parish churches are funded only by local giving – and often at great personal sacrifice in terms of time, money and energy.  

Many of our churches no longer have clergy so volunteers, again, fill in where they can to serve the community in all kinds of ways.  

Our parish churches were originally paid for by local people.

Our families have celebrated key moments in their lives there. Many are laid to rest in the grounds.

These buildings link families across generations, holding the memories of each community. 

Our village churches are counter-cultural. They provide restorative, tranquil refuge from commercial and consumer values.

They offer sacred space for prayer and worship, the offer of transcendence from the everyday, a place to be still and know God’s peace.  

They can only continue to remain open because dedicated volunteers are prepared to raise funds, apply for grants and keep buildings maintained.

These people should be congratulated, thanked and encouraged. I have been a warden for a year and can only marvel at the level of commitment, and years of service, offered by others.

If you visit a church this Easter, whether at a service or just out for a walk, you can sign the visitors’ book with an encouraging comment, make a donation or, better still, you might consider offering your help in maintaining the building and grounds for generations to come.