Old tiles return church to glory (From Witney Gazette)
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Old tiles return church to glory
9:00am Wednesday 13th September 2006 in Witney By Maddy Biddulph
Left to right, front, David Gambier and Simon Havilland, of the Church Restoration Appeal Fund, and rear, roofing contractors, Phil Pullin and Paul Johnson, of PSP
STANDING at the centre of the village of Stonesfield, it is only fitting that the church roof was replaced with its namesake tiles.
Reclaimed Stonesfield slate is being used to repair the 13th-century St James the Great Church, after villagers and kind-hearted donors raised a massive £33,000 in under five months - helped by Hollywood superstar Keira Knightley.
Specialist builders are replacing the decrepit roof tiles, and the inside of the church is due for a makeover in October.
David Gambier, chairman of the Stonesfield Parish Church Restoration Appeal, said it was an important decision whether to use Stonesfield slate or a cheaper alternative.
He said: "We felt as a committee we wanted to use it as they are what put the village on the map at the end of the 1800s.
"Also, there are no new Stonesfield slates, so we are probably the last church which will have the opportunity to use this building material, which is our village legacy.
"We could have used a cheaper slate, but we felt it was our historic obligation to the village."
The restoration appeal, which started in April, saw villagers and campaigners rallying round holding a range of events, from discos to concerts to raise money.
Even Miss Knightley lent her support.
The Pride and Prejudice star and her boyfriend, Rupert Friend, who also starred in the film, signed a copy of the novel for an auction of promises to raise funds for the appeal.
Mr Friend's mother, Caroline, lives near the church, and it was one of her close neighbours who bid £40 to have a copy of the book signed.
The auction, held at Stonesfield Primary School, raised £5,001, plus an extra £305 in donations.
Mr Gambier said: "It has been absolutely fantastic.
"We have been staggered by people's generosity - from regular church goers, occasional visitors, and even non-church goers, who just recognise that it is a community asset and something which is integral to the life of the village."
The roof should be finished by the end of September, before work starts on redecorating the inside, which should take two weeks. The project should be completed in time for Christmas.
