What’s the problem?
Our grade II* listed Church, dating from the mid 13th century, is in need of urgent repairs to its roof and walls. Major works were first identified as necessary in a routine inspection in 2001. Patch repairs over the last years have held the fabric together but the extent of urgent work required now necessitates extensive re-roofing and masonry repairs.
With water entering through the roof, and visible damage to the internal ceilings becoming more apparent, a recent specialised inspection of the building fabric confirmed the continued deterioration and extent of urgent repairs needed to both the roof and walls of the building.
The proposed project covers the most urgent works to renew the roof covering of the building (except the chancel which, although in need of repair, is currently weatherproof). Also included are urgent repairs to the masonry and improvements to the above and below-ground drainage. This work will ensure that the situation is stabilised enabling further work, including enhancements to the interior of the Church, to provide a focal point for additional activities in the village. The estimated cost of this first phase of work is £350,000….
With around 240 residents, the community is unable to cover the full cost of these urgent repairs. We have been awarded a large grant by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) but this will not cover the cost of all the work and we need to prove that we can raise a substantial amount towards the repairs – by applying to other trusts for help, by using our own limited resources and, most importantly, by getting behind the project and raising funds ourselves.
Without this effort from our village, the Church will become unusable and deteriorate even further. Costs will rise and this key part of Hinton Waldrist’s history will be lost – potentially forever.
A small group of residents have already got together to drive forward this plan and have started to pull together ideas. If you would like to support efforts to meet this challenge, and make a positive contribution to our community, please read on….