Claypole seeks to host Ukrainian refugees in village rectory

Villagers are raising money to provide a home for Ukrainians escaping from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Leading the way are the Rev Tony Tucker and his wife Linda who are due to leave their Claypole rectory accommodation in May and resume their retirement.

Both are passionate about making sure the family home does not stand empty and want to see it put to good use under the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

A group called Rectory For Refugees — Claypole has been set up and is in talks with the Diocese of Lincoln about how to make the idea work in terms of costs and support, with a view to the local community providing financial and practical support to families who are hosted in the village.

Due to its charitable status, the Church of England must achieve market rental cost for its rectories unless faith ministers live within them.

There will be some funding available from central government but the rest will come from the community.

The group estimates it is already around half-way to its target of around £2,000 a month to cover expenses including rent, rates, bills, food and living costs.

Linda said: “We know there are many people who are not in a position to offer to host refugees in their homes but who are still really keen to do what they can to help.

“We are asking people what they can do to help either through a monthly donation via a standing order, a one-off donation or perhaps by hosting a fundraising event.

“This is a great way for people to play a part in bringing one or two families to safety and welcoming them into our supportive community.

“We would particularly welcome pledges of monthly standing orders where possible, as we believe that offers the best way of knowing we can sustain families for the longer term while they get on their feet in a new environment.”

Linda said every contribution, however small, would make a difference.

“We have one example of an elderly couple who like a glass of sherry each evening, and they have pledged to forgo the £5 per week that they would usually spend on their favourite tipple and convert it into a monthly donation to Rectory For Refugees,” she said.

The Rev Tucker, who used to minister at Balderton, retired to Claypole, but then took on the job of assisting in the role of rural dean on a temporary basis, necessitating a move to the rectory.

He and his wife will be leaving the rectory to return to the house they own in the village.

Rev Tucker said: "What the community has done, and continues to do, is amazing and we are very thankful for the work of the property office at the diocese.

"When the government scheme was announced, and knowing we would be leaving the rectory, it became a case of what can we do and how can we do it.

"We are at the point now where people are contacting us to discuss the possibility of coming to stay.

"It feels as if this is God's doing and we're joining in."

The group can claim gift aid on all donations to make them go further. To make a pledge go to forms.office.com/r/VDvsFUhdiU

Linda said that once the make-up of family groups coming to the village were known, practical support would also be needed such as toys, books, clothes and household items that would help them to settle in.

Find Rectory For Refugees — Claypole on Facebook, email R4Rclaypole@gmail.com or call Linda Tucker on 07980 019929.