St Peter and Holy Cross Church, Wherwell, Hampshire

Fundraising campaign for a new roof, tower and spire

http://www.chilboltonandwherwell.info/index.php/st-peter-holy-cross

Standing on the site of a royal religious foundation, St Peter and Holy Cross has a long history stretching back to Saxon times, and now serves the village of Wherwell as its parish church.

Following a quinquennial survey, it was discovered that the roof was in imminent danger of collapse; the bell tower was unsafe; the clock broken; the choir floor rotted; and the church in a generally poor state of repair. An urgent restoration project was launched to save the church. English Heritage, grant-making trusts, local businesses and the village were approached, resulting in a magnificent effort of around £350,000 being raised. Everything has now been restored, refurbished, and the Church is now the centre of a thriving worshipping community, the scene of local rites of passage, as well as providing a much-loved focus for the village community, and a venue for cultural events.

"When we were first faced with the problems of our church roof in Wherwell, it was somewhat daunting. With the wooden shingle spire badly damaged by woodpeckers, the roof needing urgent repair and the bell-frame rocking to the extent that it was damaging the tower, how was a village church in a small community going to afford such extensive repairs? From the outset Anna and Stefan's positive approach, enthusiasm and optimism, caught the imagination and goodwill of the village. They managed all the grant applications, and their knowledge of grant making bodies was so valuable. The community began to feel really involved with the church  and many people attended the illustrated talks we gave to show how repairs were progressing.What really surprised me was the way in which a building repair project could have such an amazing effect on the people of the village, there was none of the dreary feeling that the church was asking for money again, our fundraising was successful and enjoyable.

"None of this would have been possible without the commitment, experience, knowledge, confidence and sheer hard work of Stefan and Anna Lipa. As Vicar of Wherwell at the time, I am particularly grateful to them, building repairs were never my strong point, but they set me free to use my gifts to best advantage as we all pulled together."

Reverend Juliet Montague

For more information, call us on 01264 860003 or send an email.