A major landmark has been passed after extensive work to repair the roof of the medieval All Saints’ Church in Castle Cary was completed.

An architect’s inspection in 2016 revealed the church building would need major repair work to stay open. Following a packed public meeting, the church council agreed to the repairs and to develop the building as a multi-purpose community space.

Chaired by the Reverend David Osborne, The All Saints’ Development Group was born. Since 2016, fundraising started apace, with the development group hosting exhibitions and concerts, including 2019 Festival of Stars, which attracted contributions from hundreds of people to help towards the cost of the £160,000 roof repairs.

Grants also flooded in from Viridor Credits, Allchurches Trust, Somerset Churches Trust, the Congregational and General Charitable Trust, and the National Churches Trust.

The first phase of the project, which included replacing the nave roof, adding new slates and gutters along with high level stone repairs and repainting the drainpipes, has been completed during the pandemic.

However, water damage has
been discovered in the vestry
roof and the ornate pinnacles on the tower need to be secured.
Church grants will cover much of the cost, but a further £10,000 needs to be raised.
But in the meantime, the scaffolding is coming down and the group is turning its attention to improving the access and heating and to making the interior more flexible.

The Revd Osborne said: “It’s a great feeling seeing the scaffolding come down and knowing the roof will now be good for years to come. “We’re already sketching out ideas for improving access to the building and making it more comfortable and flexible, and those will be much more exciting jobs. Now the fun starts!”

Anyone who would like to on the tower need to be secured.
Church grants will cover much of the cost, but a help or find more out about the project can go to castlecaryallsaints/support-us.

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