News
Work starts to repair churches
MAJOR work starts at Leeds church this month in a race to re- pair the roof before the winter weather sets in. The work is expected to cost
about £27,000, but those responsi- ble for the building have been ad- vised not to start until now because of a bat in the 15th century belfry. It is hoped the work, which will
involve stripping the entire north side of the aisle roof and “patch re- pairs” elsewhere to the crumbling Kent tiles, will see it removed from English Heritage’sAt Risk Register. Churchwarden Brian Hardy said
an application to the National Lot- tery last yearwas unsuccessful and the work would empty the church fabric fund. He added: “We have been aware
of the need to make these repairs for some time and thanks to a gen- erous contribution from the Friends of Leeds and Broomfield Churches, we can finally get started, even if it means borrowing the last £1,500 or so needed to complete the work. “We want to get the roof sound
before the weather turns, as we have already had leaks inside.
“We will then need to start restor-
ing our depleted funds.” Scaffolding will be erected for the
work, which is expected to take about two months, but will not stop services going ahead. Meanwhile, the tower at Broom-
field needs repointing and some of the oldest crumbling ragstones need replacing. Mr Hardy says a survey will be carried out shortly to get an idea of the extent and poten- tial cost of the work. If you fancy raising money for your local church, why not take part in the Friends of Kent Churches Ride and Stride on Sep- tember 11? Half the money raised in spon- sorship by individuals cycling, walking or horse-riding between churches will go to the church of their choice, with the rest going to the Friends group fund that offers grants to Kent churches in need of help with structural repairs. Churches taking part will be manned from 10am to 6pm, many serving refreshments. For more de- tails visit the website at
www.friendsofkentchurches.co.uk.
A plum job for church funds
WHO says rural traditions are dying out? Picking plums in August is fast becoming a popular pursuit in Leeds. The harvest of Victoria plums was first gifted to the Friends of St Nicholas’ Church and its sister at Broomfield by fruit farmer Simon Brice about five years ago. Now, at the end of August, the signs go up directing the public to the orchard just off Back Street. The event, which usually runs across three weekends, is co-ordinated
by volunteers from the friends group. Judi Taylor said: “Simon is keen to support the local churches and has
very generously donated the crop for the last few years so that we can give grants tomaintain the fabric of the buildings.” The timing could not be better, with a recent report showing that not
only is re-pointing work required at Broomfield, but large-scale roof repairs at Leeds’ church. In previous years the event, which is open to anyone, has raised an
impressive £2-3,000. The public are invited to pick their own plums, with all the money going to the two churches. Look out for the signs in Leeds village.
downsmail.co.uk
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