Many of you will be aware that part of the church roof is badly in need of repair. Indeed, many of you have already given generously to the appeal in money and time. You’ll obviously also be aware that nothing is happening on site.
So what’s been going on?
The Restoration Committee (Under the Parochial Church Council – PCC) wants to let you know that lots has been going on but no actual building work has yet been started. We’ve been successful in obtaining some small grants from a number of charities but the major contribution will be from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) – this process is extremely complex and drawn out.
Last autumn, having finally reached the top of the pile after two less than successful previous attempts since 2012, we were awarded money for the Development Stage. This stage is a Heritage Lottery Fund requirement. The stage includes working with the church architect, the bat people, English Heritage, Heritage Lottery, structural engineers, Hereford Diocese and others.
We have just heard that the detailed specification for the plans has now been agreed by Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage. We are in a position to start the tendering stage and following this we will be applying to the Heritage Lottery Fund for Stage Two which is the Delivery Stage, again a Heritage Lottery Fund requirement We hope to then receive the bulk of the funding to complete the project. This stage will require even more bureaucracy!
But assuming we are successful, the work cannot start immediately as there is still a question of sourcing special Hereford stone roof tiles and allowing six months for these to mature so they can be safely used ……. And then there are the bats to add into the equation!
The Restoration Committee is working very hard to ensure the long term success of the project. Unfortunately, as you can imagine, it all involves a huge amount of time, effort and endless paper-work.
Please be patient!
We will update you as to further progress as time goes on.
St Mary Magdalene Church Restoration Committee