A Suffolk church community is embarking on a project to repair its 14th century church – with a structural investigation revealing its roof is water damaged. The south aisle roof at St Margaret’s Church in Stradishall is in dire need of repair and water was discovered leaking into the building, with buckets put out to catch the drips.
Churchwarden Peter Thompson temporarily sealed the roof and applied for money from the Diocesan Minor Repairs and Improvements Grants fund – securing £3,600 for investigation work to assess the damage.
Peter, who has experience refurbishing a number of buildings both in England and in France, said interest in the ancient church had grown in the community since the work began to restore it.
He said: “People in the village, many who were not really churchgoers, have got involved and have offered to help. What is great is we have done a lot of things inside the church as well, helped by the village community. We have now painted the inside of the building, it’s a lovely church to come and visit. Although my background is in the chemical industry I have always had an interest in building and restoration, so I thought I’d help by using my experience to put things right.”
The main part of the church building dates back to the 14th century, including its magnificent bells which ring out across the area every Wednesday, and a church on the same site was recorded in the Domesday Book.
In December, architect Philip Orchard and structural engineer Rupert Clarke visited St Margarets to investigate the damage in advance of putting together a rescue and repair plan.
Peter said there were plans afoot to apply for additional grants and fundraise for the estimated £120,000 cost of repairing the roof.
Despite the damage to the roof, the church continues to host services and events as part of the Bansfield Benefice.
Toby Hart, the Diocese’s Church Buildings Support Officer, said: “We were happy to support the church community with a grant to pay for investigation work to discover how the roof can be repaired. It is so important our churches are protected as places for worship as well as vital community buildings. We would encourage churches in Suffolk who are looking for funding through the Minor Repairs and Improvements Grant scheme to get in contact.”
For more information visit our Minor Repairs and Improvements Grants fund website page here.