National Churches Trust awards a £1,172 Foundation Grant, for essential rainwater drains repairs
The immediate danger to the historic St Paul’s Church in the Jewellery Quarter from water leaking through the roof into the building is being reduced with help from a £1,172 grant from the National Churches Trust: to increase the outlet hole for the two downpipes on the north and south of the church at the west end. This is a boost to the church as it pursues its fundraising campaign, launched last August, to raise £250,000 for the church’s 250th birthday in 2029.
The church has been at the heart of the JQ community for nearly 250 years and served as inspiration for jewellers and industrialists such as Matthew Boulton and James Watt. Today it is a place for worship and prayer, and also as a space for community groups to meet and for music to be enjoyed.
This vital work, which can now commence, will help keep the inside the building dry when there is a heavy deluge. The longer term project which includes a completely new roof will allow St Paul’s to look to the future with confidence. Activities and worship can continue inside the church, whilst protecting the sensitive Grade I listed historic fabric of the church.
Vicar, the Reverend David Tomlinson, is delighted by this grant:
“A leaking roof is a serious and immediate threat to the church’s integrity and this grant will make a real difference for the better. I am grateful to the National Churches Trust.”
Quote from David Tomlinson continued:
“Our fundraising campaign got off to a great start in 2021, and this year we hope to be in a position to apply for additional grants to help with repairing and developing our church as an important community asset in the Jewellery Quarter. We will also be continuing with our other fundraising efforts like the August Bank Holiday fete.”
A survey was conducted at the end of 2021 and the findings, about the community services residents and businesses want from St Paul’s Church and St Paul’s Square will be published soon.
For further information, please contact David Kidney by calling 07966 378844, or emailing kidneydavid@gmail.com