OUR SAXON CHURCH, ST MARY’S ALTON BARNES – Roof Repair Appeal
Full details on www.altonbarnessaxonchurch.com
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ST MARY’S CHURCH The church will be closed for restoration work from late summer 2015 for 4 – 5 months. Please check with St Mary’s PCC for any further information.
Roof Repair Appeal Fund collected so far (just click this to see donations so far)
Patrons: Sir Simon Jenkins FRSL; Sir Curtis Price KBE BA - Warden of New College, Oxford
St Mary’s Saxon Church
St Mary’s church may be one of the most complete Saxon churches in England
St Mary’s is an historic building of outstanding importance – Grade 1 listed
For 1500 years a place of continuous worship
The living given by New College, Oxford since c 1200AD
The church contains many historically important monuments.
Fundraising
Sadly, this Grade I listed historic building is leaking!
The water has penetrated the timbers and walls of the ancient roof trusses, some of which need urgent attention.
We are applying for grants but have to show that the community is also raising money.
Damage to the roof
The slates of Cotswold stone, which are now only held in place by moss, are very heavy and are causing the
purlins to bow.
Damp inside the church
How Can you Help?
We need volunteers – please contact the Appeal Co-ordinator Michael Balston via www.altonbarnessaxonchurch.com if you would like to help with the local fundraising effort
Donations – we are setting up an online Giving Account.
In the meantime, contact the Appeal Co-ordinator for details
of how to donate
Do take time to visit our lovely church to see for yourself why it is so special!
LET’S SAVE ST MARY’S
by
Ray Pope, Bard of the Altons, March 2014
Alton Barnes Church was built long ago
By the Saxons no less, that we all know
Generations have been christened
And worshipped and prayed
Then finally in the churchyard were laid
What a wonderful, peaceful, beautiful spot
We can’t complain, we’ve got the lot
The time has now come
That we can all see
We must get together
To ensure that this jewel
Just remains there forever
Those of us here
And some moved away
We need all your help
Let’s all join the fray
Some of our brothers
Fought in two wars
Let’s do it for them
They’d back us I’m sure
