Sermons in the rain

A vicar’s sermons are being accompanied by the gentle sound of raindrops dripping into buckets from the leaking church roof above.

The sight of the Rev Thomas Shepherd surrounded by buckets as he preaches at St Mary’s Church in Sandbach is an everyday occurrence when it rains. Rain also leaks down the inside walls of the historical church which dates back to 17^th century.

“We have to put out the buckets when its rains as our church roof is in desperate need of repair,” said Rev Shepherd. The roof over the church nave has been covered with felt since the original lead lining was removed more than 40 years ago.

Now an appeal fund has been launched to repair the roof and an application is being made to English Heritage lottery fund for grant aid. The fund was launched following the recent completion of repairs to the church tower, which cost more than £100,000.

“We are just hoping that funds can be raised to fix the church roof once and for all. We are looking to use stainless steel lining rather that lead to deter potential thieves, who already have stolen the lead from churches in Warmingham and elsewhere,” the vicar added.

Funding is also needed to install close circuit television cameras both inside and outside St Mary’s so that the church doors can be left unlocked during the day in future.

“For security, we have to keep the doors locked when there are no services, but once we have the close circuit cameras installed, we will be able to keep the church open during the day,” he said.

To donate to St Mary’s Church roof appeal visit www.sandbachchurch.co.uk, contact fundraising officer Gail Morris on 01270 768318 or email heritage@sandbachchurch.co.uk

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