Wanted: Umbrellas for hymn singers… and £340,000 for a new church roof.

Worshippers in Shillingstone could soon be looking for umbrellas and buckets – the roof of their parish church of the Holy Rood is in a worrying condition. Already a 20ft hole, created where the tiles have slipped, has had to be covered with tarpaulin to protect the church’s north aisle.
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has called in architects and other experts to assess the damage and risks. Their verdict is the need for a complete re-roofing of this grade-I listed building, which dates back to the 12th century. The estimated bill the village faces for this huge task is in the region of £340,000.
Major fundraising efforts are under way to enable the first phase – costing some £140,000 – to go ahead as a matter of urgency. Phase two, the main part of the roof, will require the additional £200,000.

An appeal has been launched, grants are being sought, and fundraising events are being planned. Appeal leaflets have gone to every household in Shillingstone. Fundraisers have also tried to track down people who might have had connections with the parish in the past – including those who attended the former girls’ school, Croft House, and the village school; those with links to families and businesses in the area; and villagers who have since moved away.
PCC treasurer Anne Powell said: “It’s a daunting prospect, but I am optimistic that the money can be raised, and the weather held at bay for another 100 years or more.”
PCC member Ray Suter said in a message to Shillingstone villagers, appealing for their help, in cash or kind: “Our Parish Church has stood here since the early 12th century to serve the community of Shillingstone as a vital meeting place for worship, weddings, baptisms, funerals and national celebrations.
“During war and peace it has served as a place for private prayer and thanksgiving, and of course celebrating Christmas and Easter. The bells have rung out across the village to celebrate notable events down the ages. Many of our ancestors are buried around our church and their graves are a precious reminder of how much they contributed to the village we now call home. It must be unthinkable that we could lose this precious and historic building which has been lovingly preserved by so many in past years.”
Before any work can begin on the church roof, the small matter of bats has to be resolved. Experts called in to investigate this matter have said there are, quite rarely, at least four different varieties of these protected mammals that have called Shillingstone church their home for many years.

Watch this space for more details of fundraising events coming this year. To donate or volunteer please contact Anne Powell on 01258 861397 or email powellanne@btinternet.com.