Save our Roof Timbers

St Lawrence, Towcester’s medieval church, is open most days to welcome visitors, and provides a quiet and reflective space for all. But just now we have some very unwelcome visitors: death Watch beetle and Woodworm have been found in the roof timbers of the South Aisle, Lady Chapel and Chancel.
These timbers all date from the 1640s, but in order for them to survive for future centuries they require special treatment now. So, from Monday 5th October the church will be closed completely for four weeks while action is taken to deal with the infestation and preserve the timbers for the future. Doing nothing would mean we would soon need to replace the timbers – at great cost!

About the church
There has been a church in Towcester since Saxon times, although the present building was begun in the 13th century, and incorporated some Norman stonework. It was extensively rebuilt and enlarged in the 15th century, reaching its present form in 1485 when the tower was completed.
For hundreds of years the residents of Towcester and the surrounding district have worshipped in this wonderful building, and celebrated the events of their lives in marriages, baptisms and funerals. They continue to do so today. On Sundays, and through the week, people gather for worship. Hundreds of people attend the special Christmas and Easter services, as well as the Civic Remembrance Service.
Children from local schools visit regularly; the Towcester Studio Band, the Towcester Choral Society and the Northamptonshire Music and Performing Arts Service hold several concerts each year.

The cost of the work
Treatment of the timbers to eradicate the beetles and preserve the wood will cost in the
region of £15,000. This is a significant sum, but far less than the cost of new roof timbers.
We have already received over £3,000in donations and at least £5,000 is promise din grants, but we still have to raise the remainder. Whilst asking our own members to support the appeal, we are also opening it up to the wider community. We believe that St Lawrence belongs to the whole town and district, and so we invite you to support this project so that future generations will continue to enjoy St Lawrence Church.

How you can support the appeal
Donations are welcome at any time, and can be sent to thee Chantry House at the address below.
We especially invite donations on our Gift Day, Saturday 3rd October, when church members will be on the Market Square to receive gifts. This is the Harvest Festival weekend, and is the last before the church closes.
We encourage donors to gift aid their donation if possible (see information below). Gift Envelopes will be distributed beforehand as well as being available on the day.
We also invite you to support the Chantry House Cream Teas from 2pm on Saturdays 29th August and 26th September.
On Saturday 19th September there will be a sponsored Peal of Bells starting in the morning. That evening we invite you to our Barn Dance in Towcester Town Hall, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from the Chantry House and all profits will go to the Appeal.

Thank you for your help.
Fr Tony Bryer (Rector)

St Lawrence Roof Restoration Appeal
℅ The Chantry House, 88 Watling Street East, Towcester, NN12 6BT
Tel: 01327 350459