PEOPLE who supported Tavistock Parish Church’s Sponsor a Slate campaign helped to raise a fantastic £17,000 towards re-roofing the church vestry, enabling the work to be completed before winter.

The roof had been leaking for some time and with last winter being so wet restoration work was urgently needed to prevent further damage of choir robes, music and other essential worship items stored inside. The anticipated cost was a staggering £84,000, but The Friends of St Eustachius’ agreed to underwrite up to half the cost, which enabled the work to begin.

However, there was still a considerable shortfall and in the spring the idea of sponsoring a slate campaign was launched, inspired by a similar project at Truro Cathedral. Individuals, families and groups were invited to sponsor and sign a slate or part of one, donating up to £25 for each — and the community rose to the occasion admirably. The work was finally completed in August. People’s generosity is also recorded in a book kept in the vestry.

The Very Revd Dr Christopher Hardwick, vicar of Tavistock, said: ‘Tavistock Parish Church stands as a testament to the place of God in our community and proclaims that story to our town and far beyond. Personally, and on behalf of the church, I want to thank the many individuals, families and community groups who have supported this urgent campaign and made the restoration of the vestry roof possible.

‘Different periods in our history have always presented the church with different challenges, and in our 700th Anniversary year, the successful completion of a project such as this has only been possible because of the hard work, dedication, and generous financial support of so many.’

After work began it was discovered that the vestry roof adjoining the mid-19th century church sacristry was leaking because of deterioration in the mortar between the granite coping and the top of the walls (built of locally quarried Hurdwick stone). There was no damp proof course between the walls and timber roof trusses, which had caused rot. The extra work added another £9,500 to the bill.

Additionally unforeseen in the planning was the extension of the roof chimney in readiness for a replacement (condensing) boiler as part of a new central heating system proposed for the church. Under canon law this required a church faculty (permission).

• WELL known local artists are displaying their talents at Tavistock Parish Church’s coffee mornings/afternoons next week (Thursday, October 4 and Friday, October 5.)

Exhibits will range from modern art and miniatures, to pictures by St Peter’s School.  The church’s Vintage Green craft group and woodturner, Eric Cockings, will also show their work

There is still time for artists to enter their work and ten-per cent of any sold is being donated to church funds. The event will be open from noon to 4pm Thursday and 10.30am to 3.30pm on Friday.