TOWNSFOLK trying to protect a church “at risk” of immediate damage have in one month raised more than £13,000.
The St Mary Magdalene Church in South Molton has been placed on Heritage England’s Risk Register due to a leaking roof.
Water damage is threatening to undermine the structure of the grade one listed church, parts of which are more than 800 years old.
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) and a group of volunteers have launched the Protect Appeal to raise £250,000 to not just repair the roof but to install a new toilet and a kitchen for use in community events.
The Rev Michael Grandey is the priest-in-charge, he’s pleased with the response so far.
“Currently we have raised £13,000 towards our target of £250,000. This may not seem a lot – certainly there’s a long way to go but it’s only a month since the Protect Appeal was officially launched,” he said.
“I have been touched by the generosity of individuals and organisations, as well as by the hard work of people involved in the Protect Appeal.
“A few people have already given quite substantial amounts and a lot of people have given what they could – and it all counts.”
Mr Grandey is conscious of the fact South Molton “isn’t the wealthiest” area in Devon and lots of people are “struggling financially” but he’s been blown away by the support from the community.
Large parts of the church roof need to be replaced to prevent serious structural damage.
Water trickles down the interior church walls and in places drips onto the pews.
Buckets have to be placed in certain areas during bad weather to contain the water.
Installing a new toilet and a kitchen are all part of the PCC’s plan to make the building more useful to the community.
Mr Grandey said: “We would like to make the building more user friendly and comfortable.
“We want to be as welcoming as possible, whether people visit for church events, or concerts, or community events, or just want to pop in for some peace and quiet.”
To find out more about the appeal and how to donate visit www.protectappeal.weebly.com.