AN APPEAL has been launched to raise £5,000 to repair the roof of a church which is an important part of the Charford Community.
St Andrew’s Church, which is at the heart of a local community and supports a wide range of activities for all ages, has developed some serious leaks over the past six months.
And it is feared unless the roof can be replaced, those activities may have to stop which will be a massive blow to everyone, especially at a time when lockdown restrictions are easing and things are starting up again.
Prior to the pandemic, St Andrew’s was used four mornings and two afternoons-a-week, along with every evening – some where there were two activities back-to-back.
Among the activities were stay and play toddler sessions, a lunch club, bingo and a variety of fitness classes, including tai chi and zumba.
There was a poetry group for people with mental health problems, Open Door for parents of children with behavioural difficulties, Bromsgrove Festival concerts, a Slimming World group and council surgeries.
At weekends the venue hosts parties, celebrations and, of course, church services on Sundays.
Bob Powell, who is leading the campaign, said: “All the activities help people with their physical, practical, spiritual and mental health needs.
“The church played a massive part in people’s lives and will do so again as things reopen.
“I can’t stress enough how much it is used – groups are restarting from Monday with social distancing measures in place and, as restrictions ease further, the building will be as popular as ever.”
Bob said the £5,000 was just the start of the campaign and overall the roof would cost around £10k to £15k.
He added he was confident grant funding could be sourced from the council and other streams to provide the rest.
“We need as much help as we can get as we need the work will need to be done by the time the autumn comes – when the weather starts to turn again.”
Another person backing the campaign is Coun Michael Thompson.
He said: “St Andrew’s Church is the home of many groups around Charford that rely on its facilities.
“For many of our residents, young and old, the groups it houses make such a difference to our happiness, security and well-being.”
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