The nave roof was last recovered in 1974 and the quinquennial inspection in the spring was blunt about it. The battens are failing, several slates have slipped, and water is now getting into the north aisle whenever the wind comes from that direction.
The architect’s estimate is £96,000. That covers stripping the nave roof, replacing the battens and felt, relaying the sound slates and buying in new ones to make up the shortfall, along with the scaffolding and the professional fees.
Where we are
The parish has committed £15,000 from reserves, which is most of what we hold. A grant from the diocese has brought in £12,000 and the summer fair, the concert and a great many individual gifts have raised the rest.
We are grateful beyond saying to everyone who has given already, including a number of people with no connection to the church who simply did not want to see the building go.
What happens if we do not raise it
The church stays open, but the damage gets worse and the eventual bill gets larger. The plaster in the north aisle is already lifting. Left another two or three winters, we would be looking at structural repair on top of the roof itself.
How to help
Anything at all, once or regularly. There is a giving page linked below, envelopes at the back of church, and Angela in the parish office can set up a standing order in about five minutes.
If you are a UK taxpayer, please do add Gift Aid. It adds twenty-five pence to every pound and costs you nothing.
