Priory hosts concert to fund 'ambitious' repairs

A historic priory is hosting a classical musical concert to raise funds for its "ambitious masterplan" to secure the site for future generations.

Christchurch Priory, which has stood in the Dorset town for almost 1,000 years, was placed on Historic England's Heritage At Risk register last year.

Plans to restore and repair much of the medieval structure were recently unveiled, with a public fundraising campaign beginning with Tuesday night's concert.

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will perform a host of classical pieces, while the church's vicar, Canon Charles Stewart, will feature as a guest conductor.

Canon Stewart, who spent the "best part of a decade" as a professional singer before being ordained, said "of course" he felt nervous ahead of the performance.

"When you stand up in front of a very fine orchestra - and its not something you do everyday in life - you get nervous," he said.

Tuesday's concert marks the beginning of the priory's fundraising campaign to restore and rejuvenate the Norman building.

"In the life of every ancient church there comes a time when a special effort is needed to secure the future of the building and also the viability of its mission and service of the community in years to come," Canon Stewart said.

"For Christchurch Priory, such a time is now."

He added that the church's "hard-working and active" congregation "struggle to maintain" the historic place of worship, "let alone cover the cost of major repairs".

Among the priory's "ambitious masterplan" are proposals to restore and repair much of the structure, as well as creating new spaces for catering and shop facilities.

Prof Christopher Wood, who is chair of the fundraising board, said the plan went "far beyond repair and maintenance of the building - it secures our future ministry to the community."

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