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All Saints’ Church in St Katherine’s Lane, Snodland, has been put on English Heritage’s at risk list
£500k bill for church repairs
AN “at risk” church in Snodland needs to raise more than £500,000 to pay for vital repairs. The congregation at All Saints’ Church, in St Katherine’s Lane, learned the news after the 12th cen- tury churchwas put on the English Heritage “at risk” list. The list identifies historic build-
ings considered to be in danger. All Saints’ joins its namesake in Maidstone town centre and Holy Trinity Church in New Hythe Lane, Larkfield, all of which are de- scribed as being in poor condition. Help is being sought from the Heritage Lottery Fund for repairs at the 19th century Holy Trinity Church, which serves Larkfield and East Malling, to pay for repairs to the stonework and drains. But the Grade I listed All Saints’ Church at Snodland has parts dat- ing back to the 12th century. Some repairs were recently car-
ried out to stonework, but the re- port says some of the window and door surrounds are in poor condi- tion and the masonry is crumbling. A project team has been put to-
gether at All Saints’, Snodland, to raise funds. An architect has been appointed to look at the most ur- gent issues. Rector, the Rev Hugh Broadbent,
said the project will be split into two sections, the first being to carry
out urgent repairs, which will come to more than £271,000. He said a project team had been
set up, architect appointed, support had been received in writing from the Archdeacon and an outline bid for a grant had been submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Costs include £40,000 for tower stonework repairs, £36,000 for win- dows, £25,000 for external ma- sonry, £20,000 for ringing floor repairs, £35,350 for scaffolding and £24,500 for fees. Stage two costswere estimated at £301,000 in 2013 but could prove higher when work is carried out. Mr Broadbent added: "When we
are in a position properly to launch our appeal, there will be a public meeting and an opportunity for everyone to learn more about the work and the costs involved." To raise the public profile of the church and encourage greater use of it by the wider community a new Snodland Stones prayer walk has been installed and there are going to be regular opening days and fundraising events by the Friends of All Saints. He asked that if anyone was in- terested in joining the Friends and helping to raise funds they would could contact him at The Rectory, 11 St Katherine's Lane, Snodland, ME6 5EH.
How to help homeless
THE Downs Mail is inviting readers to join a campaign to protect and care for the town’s homeless this Christmas and winter. The second Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter campaign will
offer awarm winterwelcome overnight for the homeless. Church members and other volunteers in seven participating churches will provide an evening meal, companionship, shelter for the night and support towards a better future. This year the shelter opens at 7pm on December 8 and runs until the end of February. This is how you can show some seasonal spirit:
Food: Non-perishable food can be taken to The Salvation Army, 74-80 Union Street, Maidstone (easy on-site parking) between 9am and noon. Time: Volunteers are needed to help at the churches. Donations: It is easy to make a donation.
If you can offer help of any kind, call 07906 628413 or email
dianagordonuk@googlemail.com.
ASK DEBBIE... for help, advice and assistance Dear Debbie,
I live in a different country and am unable to visit my elderly mother who lives on her own this winter. As winter is approaching and the weather is getting colder I was wondering if you could provide me with some advice on how to deal with the colder climate? Yours sincerely, Marie-Ann B
Dear Marie-Ann, As the weather starts to get colder, people need to prepare for the winter with some simple steps to stay warm and safe. Last winter was one of the coldest on record and with the threat of another severe winter Bluebird Care is urging the public to think WARMTH this winter. Wrap Up indoors and outdoors. Wearing extra layers indoors can help you keep warm. If you need to go outside, sturdy shoes with good grip or attachable grips to wear over your shoes can help prevent falls, and an insulated waterproof coat will help keep you warm and dry. Alert Keep an eye on the weather forecast and stock up with nutritious food and speak to your GP about medicine in advance of a cold snap. If you have vulnerable neighbours, try and check up on them during cold weather. Risk Minimise the risk of falls or becoming ill by taking the weather into account when you plan activity when severe weather is forecast. Plan ahead for the cold weather by talking to your GP about getting a flu jab, and talking to your neighbours about clearing snow in front of your home. Money Winter bills can be very expensive. Make sure that you’re receiving all of the benefits you’re eligible for. In addition to the Winter Fuel Payments (Helpline 0845 915 1515), if it gets very cold you could be entitled to additional Cold Weather Payments (Helpline 0800 731 7898). Please call 0845 601 8821 for the Helpline in Northern Ireland.
www.gov.uk/browse/benefits/heating Temperature Keep your bedroom heated to 18°C (64°F) and your living room around 21°C (70°F). If you prefer to heat just your living room during the day, to keep you warm through the night try heating your bedroom just before you go to sleep. Hot Meals One hot meal a day and hot drinks throughout the day can help to keep you warm. Eating nutritious food regularly can help to keep up your energy levels and support your immune system in the cold weather. Best wishes,
Debbie Moulton, Care Manager Bluebird Care
• Help with getting up or going to bed
• Personal Hygiene • Cleaning the home • Preparing Meals • Assist with medication
• Overnight Care • Washing or Ironing • Shopping • Sightseeing or leisure activities • 24hr Live-in-care • Trips to see friends or relatives
MAIDSTONE • 01622 809530
maidstone@bluebirdcare.co.uk www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/maidstone Malling December 2014
If you have a question that you would like to ask Debbie then please email her at
debbie@bluebirdcare.co.uk
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