St Helens Parish Church becomes third site for Heritage Trail plaque

St Helens Parish Church received the third plaque yesterday, marking another addition to the sites on the St Helens Heritage Trail, a project formed by St Helens Rotary Club in partnership with St Helens Borough Council.

The plaque, located outside the church, is the third of twelve to be installed across the borough as it followed the inaugural unveiling at the World of Glass for The Hotties and Totally Wicked Stadium to honour St Helens R.F.C as part of the club's 150th anniversary celebrations.

READ > Unveiling of first plaque marks launch of heritage trail

The initiative aims to distribute plaques, each containing a QR code for people to scan, at heritage sites across the borough.

Paul Winstanley, president of St Helens Rotary Club, described the Parish Church as being "the centre of the town" as he explained its significance to the history of St Helens.

The Rotary president also detailed how the heritage trail has had a positive response with locals already visiting the sites.

He said: "We’ve had a big response which is absolutely brilliant. People are scanning the codes, finding out about the sites and finding out about what the council are developing around the sites, so it’s proven to be a great success.

"As we get more and the heritage trail starts growing and becomes a walk, we’ll get even more participation."

Ian Rimmer, friend of St Helens Rotary who has worked closely alongside Paul on the initiative, added: "St Helens Heritage Trail is fast becoming an exciting, educational, engaging and free attraction to all the residents and visitors of this special town of ours.

"It’s a great example of how the council and Rotary can support and encourage those who have a heart for the town, and while we’ve still got a pulse, want to make a difference.

"Innovation and faith still play a part in the St Helens Borough today and these heritage sites will take you on a journey of discovery through looking back, looking around and looking forward together.

"This site and its surrounding area have been so important to the growth of our special town. Now is the time for heritage to bring forward aspirations and futures."

Discussing the church’s involvement in the initiative, Rev Rachel Shuttleworth, team vicar at St Helens Parish Church, said: "It’s lovely to be a part of something bigger than just us, so we were very happy to be asked and quite honoured to have a plaque.

"It’s helping us to be a part of the heritage of the whole town because this is an iconic building in St Helens."

The team vicar also discussed plans moving forward (Image: Business for Youth)

The next plaque of the heritage trail to be unveiled will be at St Helens Friends Meeting House.