The trustees of Springhead have launched an appeal in a final push to save the roof of the historic mill at one of North Dorset’s most magical settings.

Springhead is a Fontmell Magna gem, and its listed mill building is the hub of the charity’s activities. But the roof is leaking and the chimneys, the gutters and its intricate features are in desperate need of repair.

Already the trustees have secured £50,000 towards the £79,000 needed, but need to raise the final £29,000 so the arts, educational and residential visits, weddings, music and rural culture can continue well into the future.

Director Edward Parker said: “The building provides space for community groups to meet and for indoor concerts, talks and exhibitions. Food is produced in its catering-sized kitchen and the upstairs function rooms are also regularly used for weddings, which help bring in funding to support the charity.”

With funding from the Historic Houses Foundation and Dorset Council’s Capital Leverage Fund, the Springhead Trust has removed the asbestos deposits from the roof spaces so the necessary roof works can go ahead safely and the loft rooms can once again be used.

And funding from Historic England’s Covid-19 Emergency Heritage at Risk Response Fund and the Valentine Charitable Trust will go towards replacing the badly damaged tiled roof, which has been letting water into the building, damaging battens and timbers.

Mr Parker said: “We now need to raise additional funds for the re-tiling and related works including re-pointing the brick chimney stacks, repairing the gutters and downpipes, replacing the roof lights, installing additional insulation and fitting out the loft spaces to provide space for staff, visitors and partner organisations.”

Mr Parker added: “We are applying for further grants but would also be hugely grateful to anyone who can make a donation, however small. Your help is particularly appreciated during these difficult times, when our income from usual sources including weddings has decreased.”

If you would like to contribute to the appeal, see springheadtrust.org.uk.

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