You wouldn't guess it from ground level, but the huge south-facing roof of St Aidan's church has reached the end of its life after nearly 70 years, and needs replacement. That's a major cost, but the need to replace it gives us a golden opportunity as a parish. We plan to replace the majority of the roof tiles with solar panels integrated into the roof so that we can generate and store enough electricity for our own needs, and even export power to the National Grid.

Not only is it a good thing to do from an Eco Church point of view, it is the most economical way to repair the roof, and we're excited to be able to take this step now.

But...the total project cost is in the region of £66,000. We don't have that kind of money in reserves, but we need to act quickly to prevent the underlying problems getting worse and increasing the bill. That's where you come in.

We already have nearly 10% of the money in hand, and we are working hard to obtain grants and to secure a loan from the Diocese of Durham if we need one. But we'd like to fund as much as of the project as we can ourselves upfront, to guarantee that every penny of general income can still go to funding the ministry and mission of Billingham Parish.

With 66 panels, and a project cost of £66,000, you can do the maths yourself - every panel will in effect cost £1,000 all in, including all the other aspects of the project. Of course we would love it if some people felt generous enough to sponsor a whole panel. But on the other hand, a gift of £4 a week over five years would achieve the same - in a more do-able way.

If you are at St Aidan's, or you are able to drop into the Parish Office, talk to one of us about the project. But if you'd like to arrange a gift online, you can just visit our donation page. It includes the opportunity to add Gift Aid to your gift, increasing its value by 25%. Click here to donate. 

Look out for work beginning towards the end of the year. It may only be a first step, but it will be one to be proud of.