Roof and Tower Appeal Update
English Heritage has authorised us to proceed with the extensive repairs needed. These will be carried out in two phases. The first will be this summer and will involve stone and mortar repairs to the tower, replacement of defective lead work, renewing the porch roof and aisle gutters, and creating a new external access into the nave roof.
The second phase will involve repairing or renewing the aisle roofs and will take place, funds permitting, in 2010. The cost of the first phase will be £180,000 and the church’s ability to proceed has been greatly helped by a recent grant of £10,000 from the National Churches Trust and an increase in English Heritage’s commitment to £105,000. However, the target amount to be raised could not have been met without the generosity of local people, organisations and businesses, who have donated a considerable proportion of the money needed. The fundraising has exceeded all expectations and the church is deeply indebted to all who have contributed and says a huge THANK YOU.
Croft Building and Conservation Ltd from Cannock will carry out the work, and it will start as soon as a faculty (the church equivalent of planning permission) is obtained.
The National Churches Trust has asked that we tell you about its work, and the following information is from one of its publicity releases.
I have more information if anyone wants it. Apart from English Heritage, the sum of £10,000 is the largest single grant we have been offered and has enabled us to move forward with the first phase of work.
Stephen Winwood April 2009
National Churches Trust 
Now is a good time for anyone who is passionate about churches, chapels and meeting houses to join as a Friend or to donate to the National Churches Trust. The National Churches Trust is the leading national independent body concerned with the protection and welfare of Christian places of worship throughout Britain. In 2007 the Historic Churches Preservation Trust (founded 1953) and the Incorporated Church Building Society (founded 1818) became the National Churches Trust. This new charity will help faith communities maintain and enhance the buildings in their care in practical and innovative ways. It will try to ensure that churches, chapels and meeting houses survive and flourish at the heart of their communities.
Rising costs and the practicalities of fundraising are only some of the challenges faced by the volunteers managing these unique and special places. During 2009/2010 the Trust is introducing a new grants programme and will work tirelessly to raise desperately needed funds. It will strive to raise public awareness about the challenges that local communities like your own are facing. In 2009 grants are available for structural repairs and a limited number are available for projects to install new facilities and improve access.
For more details please visit our website www.nationalchurchestrust.org, contact our office on 020 7600 6090, or by email at info@nationalchurchestrust.org.
How you can help
The Trust receives no financial aid from government or church authorities. You can help by joining as a Friend from as little as £20 per year. The Friends’ Scheme is in development. The more people that join, the stronger our voice will be. Information is available on our website or by telephone.
We are developing our Volunteers’ Programme. If you are interested in giving some time to help us please contact us.
Make a donation online at our website via your credit card using the ‘Give now’ secure facilities provided by the Charities Aid Foundation, which enables you to increase the value of your gift, at no extra cost to yourself, if you are a UK taxpayer.
If you would like to consider remembering us in your will, please contact the office to ask about legacies, or visit our website.
National Churches Trust,
31 Newbury Street,
London EC1A 7HU
Tel: 020 7600 6090
Fax: 020 7796 2442
Web: www.nationalchurchestrust.org
Email: info@nationalchurchestrust.org