THE future of a historic Weyhill church is looking hopeful three years after the former rector warned residents to “use it or lose it” thanks to a village fundraising club.

The 100 Club at St Michael and All Angels’ Church is celebrating its third anniversary this month after being set up in 2014 in response to the then-rector Jill Bentall’s warning that the church faced closure.

With funds only available at the time to sustain the Bronze Age church for another year Rev Bentall called on the community to save the church.

Three years on and the church’s reserves are now heading towards £25,000 and a consultation as to how it can remain relevant to the community will be under way this summer.

“If it wasn’t for the 100 Club we would have been boarded up by now,” said Dick Smith who has been instrumental in the club with his wife Wenche.

“It’s a lovely church, it’s been here for over 1,000 years and now there are plans in place to expand its use.”

For the last three years the club has sold 100 shares to villagers for £10 per month with up to 114 being sold some months.

From the money collected, 55 per cent goes towards the church and the remaining 45 per cent goes back to members in prizes – £250 first prize, £125 second prize and a £75 third prize.

When there are over 110 shares sold a fourth £45 prize is also added.

“The 100 Club has kept the church going and it has kept a connection between the church and the village,” Alex Randle-Bissell, priestin-charge of the benefice, said.

“We have started to see people come and use the church more. I have often come in to find people sitting quietly. I think one of the great aspects of the church is providing people with a place for peace and meditation.”

St Michael and All Angels’ is part of the Pastrow benefice along with Charlton, Penton, Hatherden, Tangley, Smannell and Enham Alamein and will soon include Hurstbourne Tarrant, Vernham Dean, Linkenholt and Faccombe.

The church in Rectory Lane, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book, did not have any baptisms in 2014 but last year saw six christenings and five weddings.

Talking about the church’s future, Rev Randle-Bissell continued: “Moving forward the church has to be relevant.

“The great challenges are whether we keep the building just for the purpose of worship and how we best serve our community..”

“There are great things happening around our benefice and there are lots of people who are coming forward to support the church.”

A consultation will be taking place over the summer to determine how the community wishes the church to form part of village life.

A pastoral care service of mission and ministry is also being set up where volunteers will visit people in the community to help prevent social isolation.

For more information about the 100 club, visit weyhill100club.co.uk.