An appeal has been set up to raise funds urgently needed to carry out repairs to the roof at St. Johns Church.

The roof is an important aspect of what makes St. Johns Church a Grade II listed building, considered by English Heritage to be a structure that is 'nationally important and of special interest'. This places it alongside other buildings such as the Lady Lever Art Gallery on the Wirral and Oakmere Hall in Cheshire.

The following is a letter from the Ravenhead Churchwardens, on behalf of the PCC and Trustees, explaining the need for the repairs which will help prevent further and even more costly damage to the roof structure.

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"This week has culminated with visits to our Church by a Building Advisor from Church House, Liverpool in relation to our Church Roof which needs urgent repair. We have had two independent Roofing Contractors on the Diocesan Approved List to look at the roof. A lot of slates are loose on the St. Johns Centre side of the church roof, plus the gutters and downspouts on the side entrance part of the church roof need complete renewal. Some rendering work also needs to be done. We also have the ongoing leak through the bell pull on the Chancel roof.

The estimates exceed £2,500. In view of this, an emergency appeal fund specifically for roof repairs is being set up. If you wish to donate please use an envelope and state 'Roof Repair Fund' on it. If you are a Gift Aid giver, please use your number on the envelope."

M. Abbott
S. Bridge
Churchwardens

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It is hoped the repairs will secure the life of the church roof for many years to come, also fulfilling our duty of care to one of Ravenhead's iconic buildings.