St Michael and All Angels' Church with St Eadburgha's Church, Broadway, St John the Baptist Church, Wickhamford
&  St Mary's Church, Childswickham

We are at crisis point and need your help

 

In 2022 we launched an appeal for money to repair the roof of St. John the Baptist Church.  The ancient slates were letting in water and the chancel ceiling was starting to crumble. Since then we have determined that we cannot patch up the roof.  The roof must be replaced to prevent further water leaking onto the roof timbers, the plaster ceiling cracking and falling into the church and the church being closed for health and safety reasons.

 

If we delay the  damage will only get worse and more expensive to fix.

 

The cost to repair the roof, according to our Surveyor and Church Architect  is in the region of £417,000 plus VAT (June 2025).

 

The good news is that we have  a possible offer of a grant to kickstart our appeal and help us apply and launch a National Lottery bid to cover the restoration.  The PCC have raised £9681 through a series of fundraising events over the last few years.

 

To add urgency to the appeal, the stairs to the balcony are also in need of repair and cannot be used (£20,000 quote) and the drainage beneath the church and from the tower requires urgent attention.

 

Realistically, we need to raise funds and drive this project forward over a period of years and this will require commitment from a group of people in the wider community willing to work with the PCC and DAC (Diocesan Advisory Committee).  The formation of a “Friends of St. Johns” group would show the commitment of the local community to the project and St John’s continuing relevance in the village.  It would mean we can accept the grant and restart the National Lottery grant process.

 

Any delay will inevitably add to the damage to the roof, the stairs and  from the damp.

 

We do know that this request for help could not come at a more difficult time, especially asking for donations.  But, please note that your time and enthusiasm are as important to this project as your financial help.

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It is vital that we raise the funds and  to ensure we can continue to maintain this beautiful and historic building that is so important to the congregation, the community and the heritage of Wickhamford.

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If the roof does not get repaired, think of Wickhamford without:

 

· A church in which to baptize your children

· A church to get married in

· A spiritual place to hold funerals and say your final goodbyes to loved ones

· A church to celebrate Christmas, Easter, Harvest; Mothering Sunday

· A church to worship in regularly

· A place for prayer, contemplation, quiet reflection

· A heritage centre, celebrating the long history of Wickhamford.

 

How can you help?

 

We would be very grateful for any amount you feel you can contribute:

 

· Via our Parish Giving Scheme – 03330021271

Ref: Wickhamford St John

PGS Number: 420642024

Or use the QR code

 

· Cash, cheques payable to St John’s PCC

 

· Bank transfer to:

A/c name: PCC Wickhamford

A/c No; 60868434

Sort code: 40 20 27

Ref: Raise the Roof

 

· Doing a sponsored activity in aid of ‘Raise the Roof’

 

· BECOMING A FRIEND OF ST JOHN’S and joining a committee to move this project forward.

 

Whatever you can do, however much money or time you can give or whether you just help to spread the word, we are thankful for your ongoing support.

 

Wickhamford PCC