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!
This summer we are holding some family-friendly fun days at St. Giles. You can find out about them on our webpage, but the dates for your diary are-Sat 25 July - 11am-3pm Summer fete with BBQ (local sausages and cider), stalls with bric-a-brac and pre-loved clothing etc., plus traditional gamesSat 22 August - noon-4pm Teachers' Rock Choir workshop; join in with Debbie Kent and some of the choir to learn a few songs and sing in St. Giles - FREE activity, everyone welcome.Sat 5 September - noon - 3pm St. Giles Flower & Fruit Festival with junior & adult competitions for the biggest, brightest, oddest shape etc. Could you make a veggie elephant? or a forest with broccoli? or a fruit covered hat? Let your imagination run wild and maybe win a prize.For further information use the 'Get in Touch' tag, or simply email pat@grimwood-taylor.com
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 proved 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 finished! Thank you to our architect Simon Cartlidge, builder Leighroy Hearn and his team, Robeda Joinery, and all our parishioners who contributed to our fundraising efforts. The project cost just over £30,000 - funded by grants from our Friends Group, Spears Family Trust and several donations as well as our fundraising efforts.Lastly, in memory of our beloved verger Tony Butler, we have placed a plaque on the lychgate wall. Tony devoted his life to St. Giles, maintaining the churchyard and singing his heart out at services. We hope he would approve of this restoration project which is once again a fitting entrance to our church.
