A MAMMOTH fundraising campaign has been launched to replace the entire roof on one of the town’s most iconic churches, which will cost well over £200,000.
Members of Christ Church in Great Malvern said the work was an integral part of securing the future of the venue which has a weekly congregation of up to 45 people and is used by several community groups.
Internationally recognised artists also perform at the Avenue Road church and the vision is to transform the Grade II listed Victorian building into a recognised centre of arts and performance.
However in the summer an architect inspected the roof and concluded it would need replacing entirely in order for the plans to be realised.
The news has come as a severe set back especially as £25,000 has already been spent on roof repairs in the last two years and in 2007 nearly a £100,000 was raised to refurbish the spire.
Members are hoping an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund backed by Roger Morris the Archdeacon of Worcester, will be successful and contribute a large part of the total sum, however thousands of pounds will still need to be raised.
Angie Green said most of the roof was still from the original building in 1875.
“Its and old Victorian building which was beautifully made, but it needs a massive refurbishment.
“Its very unfortunate and annoying because you have nothing to show for repairing a roof, you can’t see what’s new.
“Its a blow but its the sensible and only thing to do. The church is an iconic feature in Malvern. It is there for a reason and we want it to remain here.”
Rev Canon Harold Goddard added: “The church is right in the Malvern Conservation area and part of an historic cloister of buildings.
“We have already improved the facilities but we have been overtaken by the roof. Essentially the nails which hold it together have rotted and become rusted and all the tiles are slipping off.
“Its all got to come off but once its done we can start doing the rest of the transformation.”
The next event which will see proceeds pledged to the roof will be the ‘Christmas in Malvern’ evening on Friday, 13 December.
There will be performances by the Worcestershire Young Voices and the Jenny Lind Singers as well as readings by members of the Civic Society.
Tickets cost between £4 and £7 and are available by contacting Ann Bartlett at [email protected] or calling her on 01684 561510.
