THE churchyard railings at Crediton Parish Church, probably made by members of the Pollard family, date from the late 1860’s on the east and north sides and from 1911 in the south-east corner where they run from the church toilets to the boundary with the A377.

The railings that used to run along the south and west sides of the churchyard were removed after much discussion and debate to help the war effort in the early 1940’s.

Very recently, Poughill-based artistic blacksmith, Simon Ridley has repaired the worst of the wasted railing on the north and east sides by inserting L-shaped sections of wrought iron.

Later this year, having already obtained the necessary permission, there are plans to repaint all 1,300 of the railings.

It is hoped that volunteers will help to complete the painting.

While there are already a few volunteers from the church congregation a few more pairs of hands, able to wield a paint brush and wire brush, would be very much appreciated.

Anyone who would like to express a wish to help or make a donation towards the cost of the paint and other materials should please contact Bill Jerman on 01363 772865.