St Stephen the Martyr Church held its annual ‘Summer Fundraiser’ in the Community Hall recently.

The event was well supported by the large number of people attending and the magnificent sum of £1,074.40 was raised towards the St Stephen’s Appeal Fund, for the church roof. The church roof has had many minor repairs over the last 100 years, but now, it has become necessary to replace it completely and there is a target in the region of £800,000.

Parish priest, the Rev Alison Hardy commented upon the warm atmosphere of so many enjoying a day of celebration, fund-raising and fun.

She said: “We are very fortunate that the local community around St Stephen’s are so supportive of the church. Every year the Summer Fundraiser brings together a large crowd. The stalls and produce are of excellent quality and many from St Stephen’s Residents’ Association and the community lend a hand.

“The church building has a long history in St Stephen’s. The present roof is leaking in several places and no longer able to be simply patched up. Following some bad winter weather, water got into the organ which caused a small amount of damage. It is important that we begin work on the roof as soon as possible. We have already had some very generous donations and offers of support to help raise the enormous sum needed to renew the roof. There is a lot of goodwill.”

St Stephen’s Church is keen to see the church used by local groups during the week. The Foodbank is organising a wedding dress sale on Saturday, September 21 from 10am to 2pm. Wedding dresses and other items will be on display and for sale in St Stephen’s Hall and displays in the church with clergy on hand to answer any wedding queries.