A roof doesn’t last forever, not even a lead roof. All Saints, Loughborough’s medieval Parish church had a new south roof in 1862, when Sir George Gilbert Scott restored the building, but today the rain comes through in bucketfuls.

Our architects advise that new lead is required and that the new oak roof beams of 1862 may need replacement too. The estimated cost is £295,000.

Our architect’s 2021 Quinquennial report on the condition of the building gave urgent priority to replacing the south side lead roof which is over the Burton chapel, the south aisle and south transept. Until the lead is removed the roof timbers cannot be inspected for rot, but the more years of water ingress the more likely the need to renew the timbers. The water ingress has also caused damage to the interior plasterwork, this needs renewing and decorating, and the monuments will be conservation cleaned.

The plan agreed by the PCC is to raise £295,000 in stages. The first stage is to ask for the support and contributions of local people who value our medieval church, Loughborough’s only Grade I listed building. So far, we have £10,000 from individual members of the congregation on which Gift Aid of £2,500 will be claimed. The PCC have decided to designate £10,000 from our limited reserves, so at present the total is £22,500. The first target is to raise £50,000 from local supporters before requesting help from charitable trusts.

To launch the fund, we need early generous donors. Please be encouraging or speak to the churchwardens if you know someone who would like to help. Donations could be made by bank transfer,

account name: Loughborough Parish Church

sort code: 40 30 24

account number: 41857754

using the reference ROOF.

Or by cheque made out to Loughborough Parish Church.

If you’d like to help with fundraising or need more information, please contact the church Treasurer, Bridget Towle, at [email protected]