RESIDENTS in Ben Rhydding are being warned not to fall for a conman claiming to represent a local church.

The man has been calling house to house to collect money for a calendar which was given free to the people of Ben Rhydding, from St John's

Church.

Members the Bolling Road church, recently went on a mission to distribute a copy of its commemorative Centenary calendar to every home in Ben Rhydding. More than 2,000 of the calendars featuring views of old Ben Rhydding were given out as a free

gift in November, as the church prepares to celebrate its 100th year in 2005.

But members of the church were saddened to hear that a conman - claiming to be from St John's - has called on at least one Ben Rhydding resident, asking for a donation to the church.

The mysterious caller recently asked a Manley Grove resident what she thought of the calendar, before then asking for a donation for St John's.

The church is now warning Ben Rhydding people not to give to the caller, and is asking anyone who has been approached to let church officials know at once.

Member of the church's Centenary committee, Sue Boerrigter, says the congregation at St John's was asked for donations when the church launched its celebrations in October, but does not send people around to call at doors, and is not asking for any money for the calendars it distributed to people's homes.

She said: "St John's would like to point out that the calendars are a free gift and no donation is requested or expected. Anyone requesting such as a contribution is not doing so on behalf of the church and should be reported to the church office on (01943) 601430.

It is not believed that anyone has approached the police about the matter. Churchgoers were alerted by the wider community, and have not heard any more reports of people being approached for money.

Extra copies of the Centenary Calendar are being sold at several shops in Ben Rhyddding for £4.99, so residents can send on calendars as Christmas gifts to friends or relatives out of the area. The calendars are being sold at a number of shops including Ben Rhydding Post Office, and the Cow and Calf Hotel, Hangingstone Road as well as St John's church office.

Although 2005 will be a year of celebration for St John's the church also hopes to make it a year of celebration for everyone in Ben Rhydding. A variety of events are being organised throughout the year with the emphasis on community spirit.

The church's centenary committee is organising a ceilidh on New Year's Eve, featuring videos for children and a creche with sleeping facilities for the very young, so whole families will be able to attend.

A celebration of National Marriage Week is planned for February, and the church hopes to track down some of the very many couples who have

been married at St John's over the years.

A concert, a flower festival, a garden party and a an exhibition of Ben Rhydding Primary School children's work about the parish's history are to take place during 2005.

The church office can be contacted on (01943) 601430.