After nearly ten years of effort, the Willis Monument, an 18th-century Grade II* listed structure in the churchyard of St. Edward’s Church, Goathurst, stands proudly restored. This significant project, which overcame numerous hurdles, is a testament to dedication, teamwork, and community spirit at St Edward’s.
Churchwarden, Brenda Smith, said, “At the outset, as a member of the PCC nine years ago, I was not at all interested in the restoration of this monument and saw it as diverting us from more important issues, such as installing much needed toilet facilities!
"However, having become a churchwarden and hearing our then new incumbent, Rev Eleanor King, being encouraged to ‘maximise our assets’ my attitude began to change. Once we embarked on participation in the Heritage Open Days Annual Festival in 2019 and saw the tremendous response of visitors from far and wide, it dawned on me that, rather than seeing these monuments as ‘millstones’ they were in fact valuable assets and integral to our mission and outreach to the wider community.”
The journey began in 2015, sparked by concerns over the monument’s deteriorating condition. Despite setbacks, from grant rejections to unexpected repairs for the church bells and roof, the Parish Church Council (PCC) and their supporters persevered.
Fundraising events, such as the Heritage Open Days, brought the community together, attracting hundreds of visitors and raising vital funds. Grants totaling more than £20,000 from organizations like the Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme (£10,000), St. Andrew’s Conservation Trust (£9,000 over multiple stages), and Fairfield Trust (£2,500) proved instrumental in pushing the project forward.
The final phase of the restoration, completed by Sally Strachey Historic Conservation (SSHC) in December 2024, cost £19,408.80. Through the Memorials Grant Scheme, the PCC can reclaim £3,078.80, easing the financial burden further. Ingeniously, scrap materials salvaged during the restoration also contributed to the ongoing Spend a Penny Project for much-needed facilities.
A special spring 2025 celebration will honor the restoration’s completion and the many contributors who made it possible. Reflecting on this journey, Churchwarden Brenda Smith shared, “It feels like a minor miracle. Doors opened, people stepped up, and everything aligned. This monument is no longer a burden but a treasured part of our mission and outreach.”
Brenda said, “As I reflect now,I have become increasingly aware of God’s timing and ‘hand’ in the restoration of the Willis monument and how important it is for us to respond to opportunities positively when they arise, rather than be daunted!
“Nothing is too hard or impossible if it is in keeping with God’s will and for His glory. Suddenly, ‘doors’ open, people are willing to help, and everything falls into place. It does seem like a minor miracle and the PCC can now heave a sigh of relief that it is no longer a burden, but an important part of our mission and outreach!”