St Mary's Church Almondsbury
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St Mary’s Church Almondsbury – Church Roof and Fabric Appeal Since our Church was founded in the 12th Century, generations have been working hard to maintain the structure to the best possible condition. In the 1830’s the church was in very poor repair and significant structural changes were carried out.  The arcading and roof of the three aisles in the nave were replaced with lead and Welsh slate.  This served the building well for 150 years. In the 1970’s the lead guttering had reached the end of its life but due to financial constraints, it was replaced with asphalt. This asphalt has in turn run its course.  The Finance and Building Committee of the church believe that the asphalt should be replaced with a more durable material. We passionately believe the church is the “village church” and is deserving of support from all who live and work in the area. During the course of 2008-2010 there will be a wide range of local fundraising events, including quiz nights, a bazaar, music recitals, coffee mornings, village lunches, cards and calendars.  Could you help by holding an event? For example a Bridge evening, a Barbecue, wine and cheese party, an “open” garden, etc.  Please let us know if you could help in this – or any other – way! Any volunteers to help with events would be warmly welcomed. Please get in touch with Alison Rowe or Fiona Ormerod.	Roof Repair News: The scaffolding is down, and the builders’ huts have gone! Our surveyors, hdp Associates signed the Practical Completion Certificate on 23 October. The estimated cost is £133,375. (This is lower than our original estimate, as some bills were less than expected.) Our current Fund total: We are very thankful for the £129,920 that has been given or pledged for this project. This figure includes grants from Almondsbury Charity (£30,000); Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust (£6,000); Garfield Weston Foundation (£5,000); Mulberry Trust (£2,000). £1,000 has also been donated by Almondsbury Parish Council. Further grants have been pledged by Gloucester Cathedral (£16,000) and SEGB (£6,000). “Thank you very much!” to all those who have already made donations to the Appeal Fund or who have organised events. A big thank you to everyone who organised and supported the Dursley Male Voice Choir concert, which raised £1,177. We are still looking for approximately £3,455 to completely finance the work, and would be grateful for any assistance that anyone can give. (Updated on 05/03/10) Please Donate Now! All donations, large or small, will be most gratefully received. Please make your cheque payable to “St Mary’s Almondsbury Church Roof Appeal” and send it to the address at the foot of this page. Online Donations: If you would like to make a donation online, please click on the Justgiving logo: The Roof itself: Click here for pictures!
An Original Watercolour Painting of St Mary’s Church, Almondsbury, by Bill Phillips The local artist Bill Phillips presented a watercolour picture of the Church for use in fundraising for the Roof and Fabric appeal. This was the subject of a raffle, which raised £500 for the funds. Ian Foulner still has one copy of the limited edition print available, at a cost of £70 framed or £45 unframed.
Contact the Church Office Rev. Philip W. Rowe, Vicar of Almondsbury and Olveston with Aust The Vicarage, 3 Sundays Hill, Almondsbury, Bristol, BS32 4DS 01454 613223		Email the Website Administrator