Conan Doyle case church starts £70,000 fundraiser
Worshippers at a church linked to a court case that caught the eye of Sherlock Holmes creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle are launching a £70,000 fundraising appeal for a new heating system.
St Mark's Church, in Station Road, Great Wyrley, needs to cover the cost of replacing its ageing heaters and its ceiling lights.
Worship events include a popular monthly family service that attracts up to 100 villagers followed by a picnic.
The son of a former St Mark's vicar, young solicitor George Edalji, was convicted of maiming a horse in 1903. Conan Doyle later helped to clear his name and the story put the village on map earlier this year when it was adapted by ITV drama Arthur & George starring Martin Clunes.
Now leaders want to make improvements to the facilities to make them more suitable for modern church activities.
St Mark's warden Martin Lloyd said: "The whole heating system needs to be changed along with all the lights that cost thousands of pounds each.
"This is an old and large building and costs a lot of money to maintain.
"We have old wall mounted heaters and an old boiler and all need to be replaced with a modern and much more efficient heating system so that we can provide a better and warmer environment for the families we are serving.
"A new system will cost between £60,000 to £70,000 to install. We are talking to the diocese about a loan to help cover the cost.
"We held a summer fair a few weeks ago that raised almost £1,400 towards the effort. We are grateful to the community for coming in to support it. We were very surprised at the amount raised because it was a wet day, so we would like to thank the residents for their support."
Up and coming events include a VE Day show and social on June 27 featuring Cannock Drama Society.
This will be followed by a musical evening on July 4 when two visiting choirs will perform.
The Chase Choral Mixed Voice Choir will sing a mixed repertoire of choral music plus popular songs such as Hey Jude and Rhythm of Life. There will be additional soloists and barbershop singers in the line up.
Special guests The Cannock Ex-servicemen Choir will perform You Raise Me Up and Wonderful World among other songs. The two choirs will join voices to perform Can You Feel the Love Tonight and As Time Goes By.
Tickets are £6 to include refreshments, and are available at the door. Bookings are available on 01922 412153 or 01543 270690.
