St Mary the Virgin in Great Brickhill left with leaking roof

The temporary roof at St Mary the Virgin in Great Brickhill, Buckinghamshire is failing having suffered "a series of devastating lead thefts between 2014 and 2016."

All of the lead was taken and so the church put a temporary covering of felt until it was ready to apply for a permanent covering of terne-coated steel.

When there's heavy rainfall the felt gives away and buckets are needed in the church to collect the water.

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Great Brickhill PCC Secretary and Project Coordinator Phillipa Cook said: “A number of ceiling panels are at risk of collapsing; one already having done so.

"Any delay with the work would result in further damage and increase the possibility of having to close the church and suspend all services and activities.

“We are delighted to receive the two grants. This will mean that we can proceed with the urgent roof repair, which was required due to the theft of all the lead.

“Having recently installed refreshment and toilet facilities, more use is being made of the church by the congregation, village community groups and local CofE primary school.

"Further use of our lovely building has had to be put on hold until the church is watertight – it will be wonderful not to have to put out buckets each time it rains!”

The church building is used not only by the congregation for worship but also by village community groups and the local Church of England school.

Luckily, the church will get a share in a £473,750 urgent funding payout from the National Churches Trust. 

On the recommendation of the National Churches Trust, the church will receive a £5,000 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation for roof repairs and a £6,500 grant from the Headley Trust, which will help the church in its efforts to stay open and thrive.

Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said: "I’m delighted that the National Churches Trust is able to support St Mary’s church to get funding for urgent roof repairs. This will safeguard unique local heritage and keep it open and in use for the benefit of local people.” 

“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.” 

Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation said: "As well as being places of worship and buildings of beauty, churches sit at the heart of the community. In many ways they stand between the past and present.

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the National Churches Trust to support the preservation of these significant, much-loved historic buildings across the UK.” 

The Parish Church of St Mary-the-Virgin dates from the 13th century with later additions and is a Grade 2 listed building. 

The church’s south aisle and chapel were erected in 1460 and the north aisle and chapel were added around 1500.

In 1865, the church was heavily restored, the exterior being faced with the local greensand rubble with limestone dressings.