Roof Repair at St Bartholomew's, Lower Basildon

St Bartholomew's Church, Lower Basildon, Berkshire

St Bartholomew’s Church in Lower Basildon is a country church, serene and timeless.  Built 800 years ago by local people for the community, it is set in an attractive graveyard shaded by fine trees and is close to a beautiful stretch of the Thames.

Recently, the nave roof has come to the end of its lifespan. The batons have rotted, and the clay plain roof tiles started to slip opening the building fabric to wind and water. The condition of the roof left the traditional church interior vulnerable to significant damage and decay. Sadly, this meant that the church was no longer of service to its community. For a time, it remained closed to all visitors, and the services and community events that previously had strong attendance were cancelled. Event plans made by the much-admired St Bartholomew’s Choir and the opening of a small café for visitors, Tull’s Teas, were also on hold.

In an immediate response, the Churches Conservation Trust installed a temporary plastic sheet roof to prevent water ingress. To ensure that the church could reopen, CCT then instructed contractors to cover the damaged area with a durable waterproof felt making the church wind and weather tight for at least five years. This solution will allow time to raise significant funds for the permanent roof replacement, in line with Listed Building Consent, which will ultimately secure the future of this historic and precious building.

The cost of ensuring the roof is fully and permanently repaired, ready for another century of service and enjoyment, is currently estimated at £160,000 (inclusive of VAT + professional fees), and we need your help to fundraise to make this possible. St. Bartholomew’s can only continue to serve its long-standing and supportive community if this solution is implemented. The Friends of St. Bartholomew’s and the Churches Conservation Trust need your help to make this happen.

If you would like to be involved in the fundraising campaign, to support St Bartholomew’s and help us to secure this well-loved church for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations, please contact Tina Osgood, Local Community Officer, West Region on [email protected]