Alveley Church Roof

Alveley Roof Fund

St. Mary’s Church, Alveley, has been at the centre of village life for over 850 years. Forty generations have maintained it for the community and now it needs our help.

What’s the problem? The lead on the roof has become perforated and is somewhat like a sieve! Water is leaking through and beginning to damage the stone and the timbers. Without major work the church will fall into disrepair - within the next twenty years it could be derelict.

How urgent is it? The architect who inspected the roof in March said: “ If it was my house I’d have the builders in tomorrow.”

How much will it cost? The cost cannot be accurately estimated at this stage, but is likely to be over £150,000. There is no state aid for the repair of churches, but we are working closely with English Heritage and have submitted a bid to them for major funding.  We are also applying to other trusts and charities for support. If the bids are successful we will probably have to raise approximately £50,000. This is a lot of money, but to bring it into perspective this is only about £25 for each resident of the village.

Shouldn’t the churchgoers pay? Parishes have to fund their own clergy, find the costs of insurance, heating, lighting, water, routine repairs and maintenance. In 2006 that will be £868 a week. The regular churchgoers are aware of the problem and have been saving responsibly for a number of years.

What is the timescale?

• June 2006 – bid for funding submitted to English Heritage
• January 2007 – If the bid is successful a development grant will be received from English Heritage, and the work put out to tender
• Late 2007 – External and local funding in place, builders appointed
• March 2008 – Work commences
• December 2008 – Work completed

What are we at the church doing?

• Working hard with English Heritage to try to ensure successful funding application
• With the help of the Hereford Diocesan Adviser applying to other appropriate sources of grants
• Organising a range of fundraising events that everyone can support and enjoy
• Inviting past beneficiaries of the church (e.g. couples who were married or whose children were baptised at St. Mary’s) to support the project
• Keeping you informed at  www.justgiving.com/alveleychurch

How can YOU help?

• Make a donation – via www.justgiving.com/alveleychurch or by cheque (payable to Alveley PCC) to FREEPOST RRAX-TASY-KHAA, St. Mary’s Roof, South View, Daddlebrook Road, Alveley, Bridgnorth, WV15 6PT – you don’t need a stamp. If you Gift Aid your donation its value is increased by 28% if you are a U.K. taxpayer
• Support fundraising activities over the next 18 months – walkers on the 2006 Bridgnorth Walk raised over £1000 in sponsorship for the ROOF Fund!   
• Look out for further publicity
• Tell your friends