After our roof repairs to the vestry area was completed, the work moved on to the second phase of three. This phase was at the back (west) end of the church nave where the tower joins the church. Water had been damaging several internal walls for years. Now an investigation started to discover the long term problem and identify solutions. 

Whilst we had expected some bad news about drains and gutters, we were shocked to discover extensive damage over decades to roof support beams as shown in the main picture. An expected outlay of around £5,500 plus scaffolding we are now looking for £35,000 - £40,000. We have had incredible support from members of our small congregation plus a wonderful grant of £10,000 from the Northumbria Churches Trust which all helps.

Work is pressing ahead with fundraising and we hope to be able to cover this cost. See other news for other fundraising efforts!

If there are any funds left then the next, and hopefully final, area of roof to be repaired is above the organ chamber where lead theft over years has meant the organ has had to live under sheets of plastic for years- damage is always caused between the theft and the replacement.