The centuries-old church in Melksham has received a £23,000 boost from the Government to repair its roof.
St Michael and All Angels Church, off Canon Square in the town centre, was awarded £23,600 this month through a Government fund set aside for repairs on listed places of worship.
Reverend Barry Blackford said, “This grant will enable us to carry out urgent roof repairs on the church. It’s important that we maintain a watertight roof in order to ensure that the fabric of Melksham’s oldest building is preserved for many years to come.
“The grant, together with another £7,000 raised by local people, will enable the repairs to start before the autumn.”
The parish church of St Michael and All Angels dates back in parts to Norman times, nearly 1,000 years ago, but the church seen today is based largely around extensions made in the 15th Century.
St Michael’s, as it is popularly known, is the largest Church of England church in Melksham and hosts the annual civic service, Remembrance Day services, and services for local schools.
It has a thriving mother and toddler group and holds services each Sunday at 8am and 10.15am, as well as mid-week services and groups for adults, young people and children.
The grant was applied for via the Listed Places of Worship: Roof Repair Fund, which is part of £22.9million given to 401 historic places of worship across the UK.
The fund is administered by the National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) on behalf of the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS).
