New Cover at Warmwell

The PCC of Holy Trinity in Warmwell is inviting everyone to raise the roof at a thanksgiving service in January in honour of the church roof project.

The service will pay tribute to those who have worked hard to make the project possible in a village of just 80 people. It will take place on Sunday 31 January 31 at 10am.

Rector of the Watercombe Benefice, the Revd Dominic Doble said, "The roof was not weather proof and there was concern about the safety of the structure.

"We decided the best thing to do was to put back as near as we could what had been there before."

As part of the project, a temporary roof was put in place and some of the original Portland Stone was removed to allow the timbers to be checked for sounding.

After three months out of the church, Vicar Dominic said parishioners were looking forward to being back in their spiritual home. "It's back to how it would have been when it was new, the first time it was put up", he added.

"We are hoping to do some reordering at the back of the building over the next few months and years."

Those who made the project possible include treasurer Gerry Gerrard, who oversaw the project, churchwarden Sam Ross Skinner and fete organiser Rosie Crumbleholme. The project was successfully carried out by A. E. Griffin & Son and architect Daniel Cantrell of John Stark and Crickmay. Advice was also provided by Sue Cannings, from the Diocesan Advisory Committee on buildings.

 

Various bodies also provided financial contributions. Dorset Historic Churches Trust provided £10,000 whilst Erskine Muton Trust donated £15,000, nearly £50,000 was donated by the Listed Places of Worship Roof Fund whilst Viridor gave £25,000.

Thanks to Oscar Tollast and the Dorset Echo for allowing us to use this story - originally published online here.

The Erskine-Mouton Trust Fund provides grants towards the cost of works to church buildings located in county of Dorset. The closing date for applications from Dorset parishes wishing to apply for grants from the next distribution is Friday 5 February. Further details and an application form are available from elizabeth.wallis@salisbury.anglican.org   or call 01722 438665

Another round of applications to the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund is open until 28 Febuary. For details, visit www.lpowroof.org.uk/?q=en/howtoapply.