2019 St Andrew’s P.C.C. (Parochial Church Council) applied to The National Heritage Lottery Fund for grant aid towards repair of the south aisle and porch roofs, and the associated rainwater goods. (Gutters and drainpipes). These roofs had been ‘temporarily’ covered in felt since 2010, following thefts of lead. Since then, other repairs took priority, namely the Nave and north aisle roofs. Eventually the aisle and porch roofs made their way to the top of the priority list, hence our application.

In September 2019 we were extremely grateful to be awarded a Delivery phase grant, in the sum of £135,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The remainder of the funding was received from other grant aided charities namely Allchurches trust, Lincolnshire Churches Trust, and the Garfield Weston Foundation, without whose invaluable support this work could not have gone ahead.

Our appointed Architect undertook various surveys to determine the extent of the work in detail. The Lincoln Diocesan Advisory Committee assisted in us obtaining the necessary Faculties and permissions for the works. The Faculty process is the equivalent to planning permission for work on churches.

<span style="font-size: 1rem;">The detailed plans were agreed by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic England, and quotations for the work were obtained to provide accurate costs.</span>

March 2020

<span style="font-size: 1rem;">Work started, but no sooner had we got the scaffolding erected the country was thrown into the first Covid lockdown.</span>

<span style="font-size: 1rem;">The Capital works were suspended, but the volunteer community projects were able to continue, albeit with social distancing restrictions. Following the partial lifting of restrictions allowing building work to continue, we made good progress, and thankfully the weather was kind.</span>

December 2020<span style="font-size: 1rem;"> Work on the roofs was completed and the church was once again scaffold free.</span>