All Saints Parish Church in Birchington is fundraising after thieves ripped the lead and tiles from the roof during two incidents in June.
The theft has left the church exposed to the elements and although insurance covers these repairs it has now been discovered that there needs to be extensive refurbishment to the whole roof and the spire.
The work will cost £510,000 and it has to be funded by the Parochial Church Council. The porch roof above the choir vestry was stripped and the exposure meant the choir robes and the vestments were all damaged by rain. The vestments are all embroidered with gold and silver thread and have to be dealt with by specialists.
A spokesperson said: “We are aware that many people in our village believe that the Diocese will pay, but sadly that is not the case.
“A committee has been set up to raise the funds for the external repairs and also to refurbish the interior to give our village a church fit for the 21st Century.
“It is hoped that we will incorporate a refreshment area and toilets to the rear of the church and upgrade the seating to accommodate concerts and other community events.
“We managed to raise funds to build the village centre so we are optimistic that our community will rally round us to protect and preserve this beautiful 13th Century building for generations to come.
“We would like to encourage everyone to take a tour of the interior on Saturday mornings to appreciate what we are trying to save. It is our heritage and well worth a visit.”
The first major event will be a charity concert in the village centre by the Railway Swing Band on October 5 at 7.30pm.
There will be a bar, lucky programme and raffle.
Tickets are £10 and available by calling Kath on 07957 846 230 or emailing [email protected]
Surely the vestments should have been removed when the damage was first seen ,somebody must go in everyday to check on things and should have noticed.Again the church wants Joe public to pay and not them selves.Insurance must cover it ,so why the whip round. St John’s in Margate had roof damage and it looks a very long time to put right,God moves very slowly for building repairs
If you read the article it says that the lead theft will be covered by insurance. But, in checking the damage, much more extensive remedial work was discovered, which is not covered.
Suppose the thieves stole the lead on a ra8ny night? The damage to the vestments would have been done before the morning.
It states in the arrival work will be covered by parochial church council,so why the begging bowl
Ite pay and pray time again.
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How much did the CofE receive when Mr AI Read of Westgate passed away the CofE sold all of his properties at a vast profit. ?
Here comes Sunday. Don’t forget the money…
Come on Christians. Dig deep.
As I’m an Atheist I think I’ll pass on this one thanks.
There is cheaper alternatives to using lead with NO scrap value if you replace it with lead it will disappear again
Unfortunately if the building is listed, it’s often very difficult to comvince conservation officers that such alternatives are acceptable.
The church as a whole is more than capable of maintaining its properties but chooses an arcane system built on effectively blackmail arising from religious belief , to fund such things.
But i agree in such an easy place to get at, it would be the sensible option.