Spalding church is hoping to launch tours and is appealing for guides

The history of a church could be brought to life for visitors if volunteers step forward to become guides.

St Mary and St Nicolas Church in Spalding is hoping to launch a series of tours around the 700-year-old building but needs community minded people to step forward to help with this and other tasks.

Today (Thursday) is the start of Volunteers Week and the church is taking this opportunity to thank and celebrate the work of the 90 people who are already doing their bit to support the church.

The church will be holding a drop-in session for potential volunteers on Tuesday, June 6, from 2pm to 3.30pm.

Volunteer co-ordinator Maxine Arnott said that this week provided an opportunity to celebrate the fantastic contribution made by volunteers.

She said: “We are always ready to welcome new volunteers. Could you help for an hour or two a week? Our church is looking for helpers or do you love arranging flowers?

“Ever fancied a go at bell ringing or singing in the choir? All roles provide an opportunity to meet new people and support and training will be provided, so it does not matter if you have not done it before – try something new.”

One thing the church would like to introduce is tour guides to help share the church’s rich history with visitors to the area.

The parish church has been part of Spalding for hundreds of years after being founded by the Benedictine Priory, which exisited from 1051 until it ws disolved in reformation in 1540.

The foundations of the existing building were laid in 1284.

Much of the town’s history is tied in with this building, which contains many hatchments and memorials of the Johnson Family.

There are also stories of the Spalding

Maxine said: “We tend to get a lot of visitors to the church and people would like to know more about its history.

“We also have a shop and visitors centre. We’d like to have someone on site and do the tours. We get a lot of different groups from all over who come to the church.”

Maxine also stressed that the volunteers do not have to be regular church attenders but people who would like to support the community and this historic building.

For more information on supporting the church please go to the drop in session at the church on Tuesday from 2pm.

Alternatively you can contact the parish office on 01775 722722 or email volunteers@stmaryandstnicholas.org.uk