PLANS to bring a water supply to a 125-year-old corrugated iron church in a village near Wiveliscombe are coming closer to fruition.

The On Tap fundraising campaign for St Luke’s Church in Langley Marsh – locally nicknamed the Langley Cathedral – is now over three-quarters of the way towards reaching its £4,000 target.

A dedicated local committee has been fundraising tirelessly, so that they can have water and expand the building’s use, enabling it to become even more of a focal point for the whole community to enjoy.

The church was opened in October 1893, with the corrugated iron delivered in sections and erected, at the Rev Howard McCricks’s own expense, on land originally given by the Bouchers of Greenway Farm.

It has been lovingly looked after and its corrugated iron structure, gothic arched windows, and pointed bell-cote (triangular roof tower where the bell goes), is set back from the road at the end of a short pathway, overlooking fields and hills that lead into Wiveliscombe.

While church services are held there regularly twice a month, and there is wine for communion – there has never been any water.

“If we want to clean the church or make tea or anything, we have to bring water up the lane in buckets,” said Alison Brigden, secretary of the On Tap committee, which includes members of the local community as well as the church.

For the full feature, buy tomorrow’s Free Press (January 18).