THE community of Llanrothal is only made up of 11 houses, but they have come together to ensure one of the area’s most significant historical buildings stays open.

St John the Baptist’s Church in Llanrothal dates back to the 12th Century and is a Grade II* listed building. Although it is managed by The Churches Conservation Trust, it has felt the effects of time.

With some parts of the roof beginning to fall in, one resident, Steve Wilkes, has volunteered his time to ensure it stays up.

Dr Chrissy White is one of the other residents who helps maintain the church and said Mr Wilkes ‘s generosity has been wonderful.

“The Churches Conservation Trust hasn’t got a lot of money and some of the tiles were coming off. Steve is a builder and said he would do the work but he couldn’t afford the materials so the trust has provided the scaffolding and tiles. Steve has been doing the work on the weekends.”

It is not just Mr Wilkes’s work which is keeping the building going, with many lend a helping hand in any way they can.

Dr White said: “There are three of us who try to go in and clean it up: Ruth Davis and Sarah Harlow help while George Breakwell comes and cuts the field it sits in.

“Martin, Will and Warren have also helped out Steve with his work.”

For Dr White it is so important to keep buildings like the church in good condition so they are not lost and can still be used for events such as one being held later this month on Christmas Eve.

“I love these old churches and I hate it when they go to pieces, it’s important to me that these don’t go to weather and ruin and it’s still kept lovely inside,” she said.

“We had a Christmas celebration last year on Christmas Eve, I played the harmonium in the church and we raised money for The Churches Conservation Trust,”?Dr Smith added.

“There is no water or electricity so we brought candles and water and then had some mince pies and mulled wine to finish the night.

“We will be holding it again on Christmas Eve at 3.30pm. The church is about 300 yards up though muddy fields so wear the right shoes and bring a torch, everyone is welcome.”

Allan Ockenden, the area volunteer for the Churches Conservation Trust said the help they have recieved from the community has been invaluable.

He said: “We are very grateful indeed, the tiles had slipped off and batons had gone rotten. Unfortunately the trust only has a limited amount of money for maintenance and Steve stepped into the breach. The parish church historically has been the centre of the community and it is important not only historically but socially, it is very important that they are preserved, especially ones of architectural interest as Llanrothal is.”