THE renovation project of the Moravian Church in Malmesbury is one step closer to fruition, thanks to a £5,000 donation.

The Rotary Club of South Cotswolds granted the cash to the project which hopes to turn the derelict listed church in the centre of the town into a new space for the Athelstan Museum to extend into.

The club was founded 50 years ago and to mark the occasion they wished to support a local project and one that would be of direct value to the community, so the Moravian Church renovation was selected.

Alan Sheppard, chairman of the Rotary Club, said: “The Rotary Club of the South Cotswolds covers the Towns of Malmesbury and Tetbury, plus surrounding villages.

“This year is the 50th anniversary of the club's formation and the members have decided they would like to make a donation to a project in both towns that will be used by the local community, to celebrate this anniversary.”

The Moravian Church was recently acquired through public donations by the Friends of Athelstan Museum (FOAM).

Roger Griffin, a former chairman of FOAM who was heavily involved in bid to acquire the church, said they were “thrilled” by the donation, as it brings helps move the project forward.

He said: “The Rotary Club got in touch with us and we spent time discussing the project.

“They went away and thought about it and then made the extremely generous donation.

“What the money is going on hasn’t been specifically tied down, but we did discuss using it to pay for new doors at the entrances.”

The FOAM have been in discussions with listed building regulators, fleshing out the plans for the renovation, however the project still needs funds.

“We want to do it well, not just bodge it up,” continued Roger.

“We want a building Malmesbury will be proud of, something that is a real asset to the community and town.”

To donate to the project, contact Roger Griffin by calling 01666 822230.