Raise the Roof donations

We are so grateful for donations, which help with the upkeep of our church and its work in our community

Brettenham is a small but dedicated village community. Given the lack of a shop, Post Office, and pub, the village hall and the church are our most important community hubs. The church operates a community used items stall, has a second hand book shop in the church and also acts as the collection point for the local Food Bank.

The church, as an essential asset, continues to forge close relationships with educational providers in the village. Located next to the church, Centre Academy is a school for children with special needs and is described as “the most successful special needs school in the UK.” The school has approximately 60 students within a broad age

range of 7-19. The school regularly use the church for weekly assemblies of worship as well as for carol services, christingles to name but a few. Regular communication is also made with Old Buckenham Hall, a leading co-educational preparatory school located in Brettenham and is for children aged 2-13 years.

On July 25, 2021, the north nave roof received significant storm damage to its tiles such that they needed to be replaced. After careful assessment by the diocesan surveyor and structural engineer it was established that essential repairs are needed to the south nave roof and three beams running to the south nave wall. The total cost of these

urgent repairs are £361,030.53.

All relevent permissions have been obtained; Faculty and Planning Permission and Tenders have been submitted, hence the exact costing for the project detailed. To ensure that the church remains usable and safe scaffolding has been installed in the church to prevent roof collapse before the major repairs are undertaken. Our aim is to maintain the fabric of this church for future generations, but also to ensure the safety of the many people who volunteer, worship and enter this church as it seeks to support its local community.

The project cost is obviously a very significant challenge for the Parochial Church Council in Brettenham and above and beyond what a small parish can be expected to raise.

The church is at the heart of the village and the need for support and engagement of the local community has been important for this project to succeed. A campaign committee titled “Raise the Roof” has been formed involving people from across all parts of the community. The “Raise the Roof” committee have initiated a major fundraising campaign in the village which commenced at the latter part of 2023 and are applying for Grant Funding.

Please help us to raise this sum and preserve our church for future generations.

Scan here to support and donate to Raise the Roof