Cumbernauld Old Parish Church

A project as big as Project ROCK needs a lot of fund-raising and, although we got grants for much of the work in Phase One, these were only forthcoming because we were able to show our own financial commitment to the cause. Even then, grants will not cover the whole cost of the work required; the balance will have to be made up locally.

The first fund-raising event took place in September 2004: a Silent Auction that raised just over £600.

Since then we have held numerous of events including concerts, dinners, car treasure hunts, ceilidhs and various sponsored events, not forgetting the famous J-Team 'chuck-it bucket' available at the close of the first (10.15am) service where people could throw in spare coins. We also held twice-yearly 'coffee jar' offerings when small change collected over the previous six months by members of the congregation was donated. That raised about £500 per annum. It's impossible to list all the events held and donations given over the past nine years, but every single one has been a valuable contribution to the total effort and each one has made a difference

On the subject of the J-Team, many congratulations are due to them for their sponsored climb up Goat Fell in Arran in 2008. They must have chosen the worst weather possible for their ascent, but they made it (even although the photographs can't actually confirm they reached the top, such was the thickness of the mist at the summit!)

Our biggest fund-raising events, in terms of money raised, were Lunch & Fashion Shows held at the Westerwood Hotel in Cumbernauld which were amazing successes and thanks are due to the effort, hard work and commitment of the team that put these together.

Ongoing fundraising includes the sale of tea-towels bearing a drawing of the kirk, and note-cards showing images of the stained glass windows. A new history book of the church was published to celebrate our 350th Anniversary year in 2009 - copies are still on sale, priced £3.50 each - and proceeds from their sale are also going towards Project ROCK.

We are always on the lookout for new fundraising suggestions, so please let us know if you have an idea we could use. Or why not volunteer to raise some funds yourself to help raise our roof?

We are very grateful to Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund for their assistance with grants - a plaque has been put up in the vestibule of the Church to mark their involvement - and to the General Trustees for their continuing valuable advice and assistance.