Thank you for helping to Raise the Roof at St Bartholomew’s, Lower Basildon

The Trust is thrilled that the Raise the Roof appeal for Grade I listed St Bartholomew’s Church in Lower Basildon, Berkshire, has been a resounding success! Thanks to the generosity and support of donors, we have met the fundraising target to enable work to commence this year. 

Officially launched in June 2024, the Raise the Roof campaign set out to secure funds for St Bartholomew’s nave roof after the roof tiles slipped in 2022 and it was discovered that the wooden battons underneath had rotted. 

The Trust worked in partnership with a Local Fundraising Campaign Board Chaired by Alison Laing, with the Board working tirelessly to promote the project and raise funds in partnership with the trust. 

Alison recently commented on the fundraising campaign. ‘We are delighted that funds have been raised for the nave roof.  St Bartholomew’s is a fascinating church with a rich history and the only community asset for the village.  We are incredibly grateful for the financial support we have received to ensure that St Bartholomew’s stays open for the community and visitors.’ 

Funding has been secured from a variety of sources including the Parish Council, West Berkshire Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy, the Englefield Charitable Trust, the PF Charitable Trust, and the Benefact Trust. A dazzling black-tie extravaganza raised over £20,000 and many individuals gave generously to the project alongside the invaluable support of the Friends of St Bartholomew’s.  The fundraising Board recently celebrated being joint winners of the Fundraising Volunteer of the Year Award at the Trust’s volunteer awards evening, sponsored by Marsh Christian Trust. 

Olivia Bailey, MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire, took time out to visit St Bartholomew’s earlier this year and raised the question in Parliament about the future of the Listed Places of Worship (LPW) Grant Scheme which enables VAT on conservation work to be claimed back.  As the work will start this year the project should benefit from £25,000 of LPWS.

Thank you to everyone for supporting this project.