Open day to aid last push for church repairs

St Mary's Church, Horncastle EMN-160413-121648001St Mary's Church, Horncastle EMN-160413-121648001
St Mary's Church, Horncastle EMN-160413-121648001

Work on the north aisle roof of St Mary’s Church started in February and the overall cost is expected to be in the region of £144,500.

A significant amount of this money has been secured through various grants.

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Most notably the church was awarded £83,600 from the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund, one of 502 places of worship across the UK to benefit from the government fund set up in 2015.

“When this work is finished, all the roofs will have been completely redone and will last for at least another 100 years,” said Bob Wayne, one of the trustees of the Friends of St Mary’s Church.

The ambitious project to repair and replace all the roofs over the main body of the church began more than 30 years ago, in 1984.

Now, in 2016, having spent well over half a million pounds, the end is in sight.

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“While the scaffolding is in place, it is important to get the stonework done as well,” added Mr Wayne.

Some money to complete the work has been identified from church funds, but a further £17,500 is still to be found and it is hoped Horncastle residents will feel empowered to contribute.

The Friends and congregation of St Mary’s are hosting an open day this Saturday, April 23, from 10am to 4pm to show what goes on in the church.

There will also be the chance to watch the Horncastle Now and Then DVD, which was made 10 years ago with funding from English Heritage, and to enjoy music recitals.

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It is also an opportunity for anyone to drop off a donation to help complete the work on the north aisle roof work.

All donations will be gratefully received at the event or at any time.

“Most importantly the event will be an open day for the church, with an opportunity to see what goes on,” said Mr Wayne.

St Mary’s Church is the largest church in the South Wolds Partnership and is situated in the centre of Horncastle, just off the Market Place.

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The church has been on the site for hundreds of years, with the oldest part of the building dating from the early 12th century.

“Many people care deeply for our beautiful Grade II listed building, which holds much of the collective history of this thriving market town,” said the Rev Charles Patrick, rector of St Mary’s.

“St Mary’s is set at the heart of our community

“Through its physical presence it bears witness to the Gospel; nurtures its members to serve others and offers the location of loving care to be shown at special times in our lives.”

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