Heating for two Calderdale heritage buildings thanks to generous bequest
Two heritage buildings in Calderdale have been left a generous bequest which has meant they can now have heating installed.
Christopher Wakeling, a trustee of Historic Chapels Trust (HCT) and specialist in the architecture of Protestant nonconformity left the bequest to the trust in his will when he died earlier this year.
He said the money should be used to support the continued restoration of the heritage buildings in the trust’s care.
HCT trustees have agreed Todmorden Unitarian Church and Wainsgate Chapel in Old Town, Hebden Bridge, should benefit from the generous donation.
The cash has enabled new heating and insulation to be installed in both the local buildings, says the trust.
Todmorden Unitarian Church’s Esther Ferry-Kennington said: “Having a new boiler now working in the church has made so much difference to us.
"People are now warm and we can now provide an amazing space for events, particularly our annual Christmas Day lunch.”
Jo Cubbon, chair of Wainsgate Chapel CIO said: “We cannot thank the Chris and his family enough for their generous gift.
"This has enabled us to restore and refurbish the existing radiators and pipe work so they are able to heat the chapel as they did many years ago.
"We are proud to now have a warm place for our events in the chapel as well as being able to preserve and restore the existing radiators.
"This years two-day advent event at the chapel was a fun and toasty event which hundreds of local families enjoyed.”