INDIVIDUALS, families and community groups are being invited to take part in Tavistock Parish Church’s new fundraising campaign to ‘sponsor a slate’ in the hopes of raising £28,000.

The vestry roof has been leaking for some time and after a very wet winter, restoration work is urgently needed to prevent further damage of items stored inside, which include choir robes, music and essential items for worship.

Donors are being invited to sponsor a slate and inscribe it with their name, or those of family members or loved ones. Personal messages and designs can also be added and when finished, the new roof will form a time capsule within the church fabric.

The campaign is aiming to raise £28,000 towards the cost of the work, which is expected to cost £84,000. More than 1,000 new slates are required which, because the building is Grade Two* listed, need to be identical to the existing ones. Part of the cost will also be funded by The Friends of St Eustachius’.

The Very Rev Dr Christopher Hardwick said: ‘It’s not often you can literally sign or scribe your mark on history, but for a limited time you can do just this, all in support of the St Eustachius’ Church sponsor a slate appeal. Whether for a birthday, anniversary, christening, wedding or simply “just because”, this newly launched campaign to sponsor a slate offers the chance for you and your loved ones to make their mark on history whilst also supporting this essential fundraising. Whatever your level of participation, this is a unique opportunity.’

A whole slate can be sponsored for £25, or a small section for just £5 and all donors will be recorded in a book to commemorate their generosity, unless they wish to remain anonymous. The book will be kept in the vestry.

Project co-ordinator Tom Smith said: ‘This is an opportunity for the people of Tavistock, local businesses, tourists and history lovers to all come together and raise the roof. By donating whatever they can afford, they have the chance to really be part of something that will last for generations, while preserving the historic parish church for the future.’

For more information visit the Parish Office in Plymouth Road, call 01822 616673 or go to www.virginmoneygiving.com/fund/vestry