The Committee is responsible for raising funds for the restoration and repair of the Church fabric including monuments, ornaments, furnishings and organ. An inspection is undertaken every five years by an architect with detailed knowledge of historic buildings and his last report, completed in October 2014 formed the basis of our fundraising over the last three years.
As would be expected in a Grade 1 listed building which is more than 600 years old the architect’s report refers to work needed on the steady erosion of the soft red sandstone, pointing, replacing gutters and gullies, roof tiles and flashings as well as relevelling floors and pathways. In addition to items in his report, there are usually other costs to incur and the most significant this time is the replacement and enhancement of our gas central heating which is old, inefficient and has high maintenance costs. Finally, there is always a contingency needed to cover the cost of unexpected problems, sometimes major as in the damage to the south porch roof in the 1980’s.
The cost of this essential work has been just under £100,000 which may seem a lot but it’s the lowest bill we have had to face in recent memory. One of the reasons for this is that we are benefiting from investments of more than £800,000 to the building since 1983 as whenever repairs were needed the Parish has somehow found the money to have the jobs done. I am delighted to report that all work recommended in the 2014 Report has now been completed including a new central heating system and repairs to the clock over recent months.
Raising money should be fun and a way of bringing people together in the Parish and surrounding areas. The fundraising activities to cover these costs have been many and varied including an annual Burns Night at the George and Dragon pub, Race Night at the Cock@Budworth pub, a wide range of activities in and around Arley Hall, a Summer Auction of Promises in the Hopkinson’s garden and others including coffee mornings, scarecrow competition, sponsored walks and bike rides and many more. We have also been touched by the generous donations received from people visiting the Church who have appreciated its many historic and aesthetic features
The Church sits at the very heart of our Parish and feelings about this will be personal to each of us from those who are committed and regular attenders to others who just appreciate its beauty and significance to the community. Whatever our reason, I feel sure you will agree that a properly maintained church is important to us now and crucial for the next generations.
Jim Martin Chairman
Coach House, Great Budworth CW9 6HB tel 01565 891436 jimmartin100@googlemail.com