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Bishop Donald with Revd Jo Saunders |
At a special service on Saturday 19 November, St John’s Church in Ryhall celebrated the replacement of their old worn out lead roof with a new roof made of terne coated stainless steel.
The church, which has been at the heart of community life in Ryhall for over 800 years, had been placed on the at risk register by Historic England and the PCC launched a Restoration and Renewal project in 2020 to restore the fabric of the building and revive its role as the centre of the community in the village.
Community was vital to the project with nearly a fifth of the funds raised from within the village itself. During the service, Restoration & Renewal Team and PCC member Sandra Chapman spoke of the involvement of so many in the local community, from those who helped raise funds through bake sales and sponsored endeavours to the churchyard champions who worked tirelessly to improve the surrounding environment of the church.
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The newly completed roof
Alicia Kearns addressed the congregation |
The remainder of the £185 000 needed for the first phase of the project was raised through grants received from charitable trusts, including the Rutland Historic Churches Restoration Trust. During the service recently retired Priest in Charge Jo Saunders expressed the gratitude of all of the church for Sandra’s commitment and dedication in raising the necessary funds.
Bishop Donald, attending the thanksgiving service, blessed the roof and gave thanks to God for his provision of the funds and skills to carry out the works. In his address, Bishop Donald also highlighted the central role that church buildings have always played in expanding our thoughts and pointing us to God. Reflecting on Psalm 100 which was read at the service, he underlined the inclusivity of its tone saying: ‘we must always have open doors’. Bishop Donald noted that Ryhall Church has always been open every day to welcome all, something that can continue now building works have been completed, and urged the whole church family to find ways to welcome more people into the building.
Alicia Kearns MP, also in attendance, praised the hard work of the community in achieving the completion of the roof replacement. She stated that by saving a building at risk, the project had not only saved a vital piece of heritage for the local community but for the whole country, and hoped that the project would be an inspiration to other communities.
To keep updated or support the project follow the ‘Ryhall, Essendine and Carlby Churches’ Facebook page.
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Left to Right: Alicia Kearns MP, Councilor Jeff Dale and his wife Margaret, Revd Jo Saunders, Bishop Donald, PCC member, Tom Nottidge, Lord Lieutenant of Rutland, Sarah Furness, Winn Peck, Churchwarden, Marian Taylor, Churchwarden, Geoff Thompson, High Sheriff of Rutland, David Amies, Chair of PCC, Sandra Chapman, Restoration and Renewal Team and PCC member, Ian Wilkinson, PCC Treasurer. |
