With slates slipping and some mortar repairs required, the Chancel roof needs attention and we're hoping to get it done this summer. The scaffolding cost will probably be the biggest item alongside labour costs, but thankfully we have some lead and spare slates. We will be applying for grants once we have quotations, but as always, any donations will be much appreciated. Our beautiful Chancel decorations need to be preserved, so this is now urgent. Please contact Pat Grimwood-Taylor, PCC Treasurer, email pat@grimwood-taylor.com if you would like to help, or maybe donate without cost by using EASYFUNDRAISING.... Would you do something amazing and support St Giles Church - Little Torrington, Devon on easyfundraising? It takes a moment to join and once you have, whenever you shop online, the retailers will give a cashback donation to us at no extra cost to you. Please join, it honestly makes such a difference. Any questions let me know! https://join.easyfundraising.org.uk/stgileschurchdevon/70WLUD/c2s/J1YccjD6/CE942/facebook/ . Thank You!
We know that our local community has a number of residents who are lonely or living alone, missing some friendly company and the chance to just have a coffee and chat. So each Thursday at 2pm during spring and summer, our 'Friendship Group' meets at St. Giles. There's no obligation to stay for long, or feel you have to come to a Sunday service... but if you'd like to meet other local folk who are probably retired, maybe live alone or don't have much to occupy their days, then come along. <br>
Following storm damage 5 years ago, the PCC began investigating how best to restore the lovely Lychgate at St. Giles. Unfortunately the structure needed extensive repair (the result of many years 'wear & tear' as well as the storm), which entailed removing the roof, reinstating support beams and then replacing the timbers and slates. The stonework also required masonry repairs, and the actual gates needed a total overhaul.Having obtained the necessary permissions, work finally started in March 2025 with removal of the actual gates. These were taken away for complete restoration. However, as is often the case with very old structures, the work involved in repairing the old timbers, trusses and roof of the lychgate has proven to be more extensive that first thought. Not only did some of the trusses need new sections splicing in, but stainless steel ties were required to keep the whole structure stable and safe. And alot of the slates were no longer viable either.Having said all that, the project is now nearly finished - just a few bits of painting to do - so we are having a celebratory 'blessing' on Sunday August 17 at noon and everyone is welcome.And as the budget has increased a bit, we're still fundraising- our shortfall at the moment is about £3000 so if you can help in any way (even just by using Easyfundraising so that your online purchases from retailers generate a small donation by the retailer), that would be marvellous. Of course, a larger gift of £50 - £500 would also be very welcome! Our sincere thanks to our major donors - the Spear Trust and the Friends of St. Giles - and to all our other benefactors who have donated so generously. And lastly to our wonderful, patient and brilliant architect Simon Cartledge, without whom none of our work at St Giles would be possible.Please contact Pat Grimwood-Taylor pat@grimwood-taylor.com if you would like to help.
