The church of St John’s has stood at the heart of our community in Milborne Port for generations, not only as a place of worship but as a gathering place for community events, family celebrations, and as a place of support during difficult times. More than just wood, stone, mortar and glass, the church is a symbol of our shared history, values, and traditions. However, leaking roofs are putting our historic building at risk.
A leaky roof is not just a minor inconvenience, as the presence of strategically placed buckets testifies. Water damage can quickly spread and lead to wet and dry rot, mould, and structural weakening: eventually the safety of the building will be compromised. We need to deal with the leaks now, before repairs become even more costly.
Repairing a church roof is a significant financial undertaking. The costs include not only materials and labour, but also supervision to ensure that repairs are carried out in a way that respects the building’s historic character. Our church does not receive funding from external sources. Neither the Church of England, nor the Diocese of Bath & Wells provides financial support to keep our precious historic building in good shape. Its upkeep relies on the generosity of the congregation and parishioners, local residents, and supporters.
The Parochial Church Council now faces the immediate challenge of footing a repair bill of around £100,000. Some grants can be sourced, but we will need to find other ways of fundraising to ensure that our church building remains a safe, welcoming space for everyone. There are ongoing repairs to exterior and interior stonework and the windows will also require repair in the near future: it all comes at a cost.
Supporting a repair project such as this is not just about fixing a building; it is about investing in our community. The church provides space for family, community and charity events. Its doors are open to all, offering comfort, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.
Please join us in our fundraising efforts, whether through donations; volunteering to organize, support or hold a fund-raising event; or by helping to spread the word. Together, we can meet this challenge and secure our village church’s future for generations to come.
If you would like to help in any way, either practically or financially, then please let us know. If you’d like to help us get the ball rolling now, you can make a donation online by using the the web link below: