Hidden damage a blow for church supporters

Churchgoers who raised £40,000 for roof repairs are devastated to discover there is more damage which will cost another £15,000 to fix.

Over the last two years supporters of St Andrew’s Church in Rippingale have rallied around to raise enough money to repair lead work on the chancel roof.

It had been leaking for years and undergone several temporary repairs but the church council finally decided it needed a more permanent solution.

The fundraising appeal started two years ago and was boosted significantly by a £20,000 donation from someone in the village and £4,000 from the Lincolnshire Churches Trust. Villagers have also hosted fundraising events.

Supporters were delighted when the repair work finally began two weeks ago but the project has now ground to a halt after workmen discovered further damage to the roof beams.

It could cost an extra £15,000 to repair.

Church warden Jonathan Newell said: “The time had come to bite the bullet and replace the roof, but the water has been coming in for so long it has rotted the beams across the church.

“The metal beams needed to fix it could add an extra £15,000 to the cost.

“At the moment the work is at a standstill until we know the exact figure and decide how to move forward.”

The church was founded in 1250 and the building was known to be in place by the late 14th century. It was restored in the mid 19th century and is now a Grade I listed building.

Mr Newell said: “We have a good community who are prepared to help when we need it and we get a lot of support from the local pub too.

“We are all doing our best to make ends meet.”

The church council is now looking at ways to raise more money for the extra repairs. Anyone who would like to support the appeal can contact Jonathan Newell on 01778 441211.

The church is currently operating without a full time vicar. A new one is due to arrive on November 6 which the committee hopes will attract new parishioners who are willing to support the church.