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Cropthorne Church

Earlier in the year we reported that Cropthorne’s heating had terminally failed. We also reported work to repair the boundary wall onto the highway had been identified in the 5-yearly building inspection, so too repairs to the chancel roof. A structural condition report was commissioned and received on the boundary wall to assess the extent of the damage. Progress to prioritise work and undertake costings has been delayed by the need to appoint a new Church Architect for the Five Alive churches, which we are pleased to say has now been done. We can expect the architect to visit by the end of this year, (a visit which includes a high-level inspection of the roof), and then it will be for the PCC to prioritise work. Our responsibility for the boundary wall and safety, being as it is along a public pavement and highway, is of highest concern.

Thanks in large part to successive and successful Walkabouts, St Michael’s fabric fund has £99,000.

Meeting people’s requests for weddings, baptisms, and funerals during the winter months, we shall offer the choice of Fladbury and Charlton as alternatives or, a service at St Michael’s without heating. Burials and interment of ashes can still take place at Cropthorne wherever the service.

There will be a service at St Michael’s for Remembrance (without heating). Sunday services will resume when warmer weather returns in the spring, though with Christmas Crib Services at Charlton and Fladbury on Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass at Charlton, Christmas morning at Fladbury, and all the regular services there and elsewhere, worship and our welcome to worship, continues!

Sarah and Parish Wardens

23/10/2025

Answers to questions raised

The boiler had become unreliable and increasingly relied on local intervention. Following the last failure, the boiler and heating system was examined by a heating engineer and it was reported that it is now beyond repair as it is no longer possible to get the parts. We were advised that the pattern of use (that is, infrequently) is the worst possible environment for an oil boiler as it sits with condensation in it and corrodes rapidly.

Looking at a replacement heating system, we need to consider how frequently the church is used, what is most cost effective, what is most comfortable for the congregation and what is sustainable for future years. With the help of the church architect, we will be investigating alternative options which have been successfully used in other churches.

At the moment we are assessing the extent of the various works required, prioritising projects and then obtaining detailed costings. Works for a Grade 1 listed building are slower than any of us would like.

If the land on Church Leys goes on sale, we can approach the Worcester Diocesan Board of Finance for a donation. However, we need to be realistic knowing that the WDBF supports the provision of ministry.