WE started work on our roof project a long time ago in August 2013, when we applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a grant . We then began the very long journey to acquire a new roof. We were most grateful to be awarded £158,000 of the £223,000 which was required, by the Heritage Lottery Fund and have worked tirelessly to raise the rest. We are not quite there but are confident that our efforts will raise the shortfall .

So, the work began August 2015 , the roof was stripped and retiled by Christmas, a little behind schedule, and the ceilings were completed two months later. So have the many months of dust, dirt sand rubble and the ubiquitous black plastic been worth it? Why not come and see for yourself ? We could not let such a momentous occasion pass, and are delighted that the Bishop of Worcester, Bishop John will be presiding at our service at 11am on Sunday May 1 when the roof will be rededicated and we will be able to truly give thanks.

We were overwhelmed by the generosity of all who donated to the Christ Church Roof Fund and in particular the Tile To Remember Appeal which, thanks to the Malvern Gazette raised the magnificent sum of £8,000, including gift aid.

So we invite all of you to come and celebrate with us, whether you gave to the appeal or simply want to see the result, just come! If you did ask for a tile in our Tile to Remember Appeal then I can assure you that tile with the inscription you asked for is on that roof, reader I wrote those inscriptions! I also went on the roof to inspect it and quite worried the builders when I asked them if they had definitely put them in alphabetical order, they didn’t immediately realise it was a joke. So a lasting tile on the new roof for those who asked and in addition we thought how nice it would be to have a permanent record at a lower level! So we have a Memorial Book to mark the generosity of those people who gave which will be available to look at.

Pease, please do join us , make a note of the date now. Together we have achieved this and Christ Church continues to stand proud as a landmark in Malvern.

Our usual Book Fair will be taking place this Saturday, April 23 from 10am to 12noon when we look forward to seeing you all.

ANGELA GREEN