The names of 21 servicemen who gave their lives in two World Wars have been inscribed on slates which are being used for a church's refurbishment and extension.
The Eldwick Church’s ‘Sponsor a Slate’ scheme involves both church members and the local community in their building project. To date around 200 slates inscribed with the names of the loved ones, families and friends of the sponsors will be placed on the church roof as it is 
refurbished. (Pictured right, Margaret Wadsworth, holding her family slate)
“It’s been a great opportunity to get people involved and foster a sense of ownership of our Church,” commented Rev Peter Mayo-Smith.
“Members of the local community were invited to come to a family service where the slates were blessed. However, we then realised that the Family Service fell on the Sunday after Remembrance Day, so we decided to use this opportunity to also commemorate the 21 local servicemen who gave their lives in two World Wars.
“Those men belonged to Eldwick Village. The Church would have been part of their daily environment and most likely many worshipped there on Sundays. By writing their names on slates we could express our respect and gratitude for the sacrifice that they made. Their memory will be part of the Church fabric as we go forward.”
The building project will create a link between the Victorian Church and the newly built hall complex, allowing the church to be extended and completely refurbished – including ensuring that the roof is in good condition.
The Eldwick Church is a local ecumenical partnership, formed in January 2011 through a merger of Eldwick Methodist Church and St Lawrence Anglican Church.