In 2017, like many churches throughout the UK, St Peter’s was targeted by lead thieves. They came three times, twice in June taking lead from its North Aisle roof and then in September they targeted the South Aisle roof. The PCC (Parochial Church Council) were faced with a monumental task of repairing both roofs with very limited funds, (also like many churches in the UK). The PCC made a bid to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and were delighted to be awarded a grant of £97,000 towards its £124,000 project called ‘Saving and Celebrating Our Heritage’. 

The heritage project will not only restore the damaged Grade II* Listed Building but also ensure that heritage of the church and church yard is better interpreted and explained through education, visits by schoolchildren and a range of events to celebrate its history. Phase I of the project, the repairs to the roof, were started in 2018 and completed in 2019, with great success. The substructure of the roofs was sound and the weather was good. 

We are delighted to see St Peter’s dry once more and now look forward to Phase II. Our gratitude and thanks go to all involved in the work so far and still to come.