The closed Grade II* church of St Teilo’s at Llanarth, near Raglan, will be on view on Saturday, September 4th, from 2-6pm as part of Cadw’s Heritage Open Doors month.

The Village Alive Trust, local buildings preservation charity, will be hosting viewing at the church, which closed over seven years ago, by allowing visitors to see inside from the three open doors of the building.

Trust chairman, Pat Griffiths, said, ‘The church was closed after a five yearly inspection showed repairs were needed, but the building was not deemed to be structurally unsound. However, as the years have rolled on, the church has been left untended and now requires more expensive conservation work to the roof, as well as upgrading with facilities.

‘As the interior has not been maintained regularly the Trust is unable to allow visitors into the Nave, but clear views of the large interior can be obtained through the doors of the bell tower, porch and chancel, without needing to step into the church. Stewards will be on hand to guide visitors as they view the building and the churchyard.

‘After viewing the church visitors are invited to drive to the Village Hall to see an exhibition outlining the planned conservation and refurbishment of the church for public use once again. Refreshments will be available and Trust members will be on hand to talk about the project, ‘ said Pat.

The Church in Wales is supporting the Trust as it works towards seeking grants to carry out the conservation work and facilitate various uses for the building. One aim is to rehang the eight bells which were removed, as the Llandaff and Monmouthshire Diocesan Association of Church Bell Ringers would like to use the church as a centre for training new ringers.

Gwent Wildlife Trust has designated the churchyard as a Local Wildlife Site and its heritage trees include an ancient historic yew. The Trust is planning to manage the churchyard to enhance its flora and fauna and already has support from local volunteers. Parish burials continue at the churchyard which includes a listed cross and the grave of Elizabeth Jones, the last surviving child of Sir William Morgan, of Tredegar House. It was Elizabeth’s widowed husband, William, who built the Gothic Clytha Castle in her memory, in 1790.

Llanarth is accessed off the B4598 Abergavenny to Raglan road. Parking near the church will be stewarded and anyone needing the limited disabled parking spaces at the church is asked to email village.alive@btinternet.com in advance.

Further details on The Village Alive Trust and the project can be found online at www.villagealive trust.org.uk