RAISE THE ROOF – THE ROOF HAS BEEN RAISED!

As we look forward to celebrating Easter later this month, I am delighted to confirm to you that the essential Nave Roof repairs were successfully completed on 21 February bringing to a conclusion a 5-month project and giving this section of the church roof a new lease of life.

The project ultimately took 5 months to complete which was longer than expected due to the builders encountering some unforeseen challenges which increased the scope of the works and the time needed. Nevertheless, the project was still brought home within budget after allowing for such contingencies.

In total the costs of completing the work came to c£103,200. Of this amount c£83,400 was met from donations and legacies, with the balance covered from fund raising events, grants, bank interest on funds raised, and reserves. As a consequence of the success in raising funds, the call upon PCC ring fenced reserves was more modest than anticipated. This leaves us in a strong position to deal with any new building issues which may arise (a significant and ongoing risk with an ancient Grade 1 Listed building) and / or a good base from which to work if in due course it is decided to replace another section of the roof.

The roof is in three sections and the repairs that have been undertaken have been to the section that was in the poorest state of repair and where water was coming in during periods of heavy rain and storms. Of the remaining sections, one is in a good state of repair and the other will need to be replaced in due course which will require a further round of fundraising. However, it currently remains watertight and therefore is not something that needs to be addressed in the short term. We will continue to be guided by our surveyor as to the respective timescales.

The PCC would like to extend its huge thanks and appreciation to the many individuals and organisations who have supported this project, which was vital to securing for all the community the future of the beautiful Grade 1 listed building that is All Saints Church. Given the large number of donations received it was not possible to send individual thank you letters but every amount given, whether small or large, is appreciated enormously.

Finally, now that work has been completed, we will be turning our attention to how we are going to mark the occasion, to include recognising donors and the dedications they requested with their gifts. Further news in relation to this will follow in due course.

Nick Kilford

Treasurer

Alrewas PCC