Church Roof Repair Update: October 2022

Church Roof Problems

Cement is harder and less flexible than lime mortar. This can cause softer building materials, such as stone, to deteriorate which can result in leaks round the stones.

When the church was rebuilt in the 1950s the coping stones on the gables were attached with cement and now the stones are disintegrating. In some places cement blocks have been used to replace stones and this is making the problem even worse.

In 2020 the stones on one side of the East gable began to disintegrate and there was a leak round the stones on the North Gable.

During repairs to the East Gable, by Adam Stead of Gladstone Masonry, it was discovered that ‘pins’ had not been used to attach the corner stone so they could have all fallen off! Also,  the cross on top of the North Gable had de-laminated and  fell apart when it was taken down.

The coping stones on the East gable have now been replaced, the coping stones on the North gable have been repointed and a new cross is in the process of being carved.

When the other gables and the bell tower were inspected similar problems were found. The coping stones on the top of the bell tower were also disintegrating and lumps of stone were falling off over the entrance to the church. One of the corner stones on the West gable was starting to move. 

The west gable and bell tower have now been repointed and broken stones replaced but similar work will be required on the south gable. Whilst undertaking the work on the bell tower it was found that the timbers holding up the lead roof were rotten and this now needs to be replaced. Also, the roof and drainage system for the vestry requires work. 

Therefore, further work is required and the fund raising appeal has been raised to £50000. The exact total required is not known at present as it depends on exactly what is found while the repair work is undertaken.

The church is not listed so many grant sources are not applicable. Also, VAT has to be paid on all work. However some very generous donations have been received from villagers, ex-villagers, The Friends of Christ Church, local businesses (Withers Fruit Farm) and grants from Herefordshire Historic Churches trust and the William Cadbury Trust. Several successful fund raising events have been held (providing refreshments at Open Gardens and a Craft Fair). So far nearly £40,000 has been raised! However, efforts need to continue.

Donations can be given to Marilyn Gilmore (magilmore531@gmail.com ), Derek Barnes (Capella Horse Road)or if you would prefer to give a donation via the Friends of Christ Church contact Jonathan Andrew (jonathanandrew@btconnect.com ).

We have an EasyFundraising Page too: ChristChurch Wellington Heath roof fund. https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/christchurchwellingtonheathrooffund/

You can give donations and/or sign up so that we get a small percentage of money spent on internet shopping.