Our Progress So FarThanks to your generosity, we have already been able to replace the stolen lead on the roof with stainless steel, ensuring the building is once again protected from the elements. The ceiling also required full renewal, which has now been completed with new lath and plaster.The Next Challenge: The FloorAs we moved to the next phase of restoration, we discovered that the entire floor structure is severely rotten. The joists and floor boards must be replaced entirely before we can safely re-install the pews and open the church for community activities and worship.How You Can HelpWe are launching this next appeal to fund the floor replacement and the re-installation of our pews. Every contribution, nomatter the size, brings us closer to completion.https://www.justgiving.com/campaign /stmarystmargaretchurch
Please see a recent video shot over our lovely church:
The Situation:Our beautiful church, dating back to the 14th century, has been a spiritual haven for generations. The graves of several World War I Airmen who were stationed at Stow Maries Aerodrome rest in our churchyard, a poignant reminder of sacrifice and courage.Just before Christmas 2019, the lead covering on the roof was stolen, leaving the church vulnerable to the elements and jeopardising the safety of our historic 14th-century building. We feared the result might be the loss of the Church.Our Initial Goal:To raise £70,000 for estimated repairs. So far, we have raised 80%Updates:Update #1 - 9th October 2024Unfortunately, more of the internal ceiling collapsed on October 24. Our churchwarden has moved the chairs and cleaned up the area, but it looks like more is going to fall into the church due to the water damage from the leaking roof.Update #2 -15th October 2024The water continues to come in through the roof after the heavy rain we had over the weekend. We will do our best to protect the floor.Update #3 - 14th February 2025We made the local news:https://www.maldonandburnhamstandard.co.uk/news/24915008.appeal-restore-church-failed-efforts-5-years/Update #4 - 18th May 2025We have raised sufficient funds to replace the external roof with stainless steel. Work should start in June. Once the external roof is repaired, we will decide on the best approach to fixing the internal ceiling damaged by water ingress.Update #5 - 12th July 2025Work has commenced on repairing the external roof. The contractors, unfortunately, found that the supporting beams were rotten and needed replacement. We hope this will be within the contingency we allocated. We are currently at the stage where the stainless steel roof can be installed. Internal damage has increased, and we need to raise a further £21k to remove the internal ceiling (subject to planning approval)Update #6 - 10th December 2025We have raised 80% of the estimated £70,000 needed, a stainless steel roof has been erected, and a new ceiling has been almost finished being installed. Unfortunately, during the restoration, it was discovered that the floor had woodworm and had disintegrated in places, and some of the wooden pews also needed repair due to woodworm.Update #7 - 21st April 2026Our ceiling is now completed thank you to all who donated. The PCC is now concentrating on raising the funds to repair the floor where the floor joist had rotten and the pews were sloping towards the wall.How You Can HelpWill you help us complete the restoration work so that St Mary & St Margaret’s Church can be open once again for the spiritual well-being of the community it has served for seven centuries?Every £ donated will go towards the restoration, and the Parochial Church Council is very grateful for the grants and the twenty-one people who have generously donated so far.Please donate via Just Giving or PayPal:Just Giving:https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/stmarystmargaretchurchPaypal:https://bit.ly/3ZRM4hh
