Can you help the iconic bell tower of the Bourtons?

A fundraising project has been launched to help preserve the Bourton Bell Tower (photo taken by Matt Clark)

The Friends of All Saints Church in Great Bourton normally have a busy series of events throughout the year to raise funds for the Bell Tower Conservation Project.

This iconic bell tower is one of only three in the country to be built over the lychgate and is entirely separate to the church.

More than £40,000 is needed to renovate and conserve the structure, which includes roofing and repointing work. Due to the pandemic many of the normal fundraising activities are on hold, so The Friends have launched a new appeal, to plant up the eastern bank of the churchyard with snowdrops.

If you would like to make a contribution to the conservation project see the following JustGiving web link: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BourtonsSnowdropBank

Hilary Campbell, the vicar at All Saints, said: “Snowdrops are a sign of hope particularly in these different times.

"People from the Bourtons villages are creatively working together to help repair and maintain the iconic bell tower and lychgate for the church.

"You can be part of this work, by sponsoring the planting of snowdrops in the churchyard, perhaps in memory of a loved one. We are heartened by all the energetic support there is for this important community project."

So far, the snowdrop project has raised more than £1,000, but there are plenty of snowdrops available to be sponsored and organisers hope to raise as much as possible for the project.