The Friends of KimbIe Churches

The charity, “The Friends of Kimble Churches”, was set up in 1996 and is independent in financial terms from the Parochial Church Council (PCC). The Friends raise money to keep the two churches, St Nicholas, Great Kimble and All Saints, Little Kimble, in good repair. The priority accorded to the various aspects of the work required is a matter for the PCC. The Friends make grants to the PCC towards the cost of the work in accordance with the “Objects of the Society” as set out in paragraph 2 of the Rules.

Since 1996 The Friends have raised approximately £ and currently has about 130 subscribers. Subscriptions may take the form of periodic cash donations or regular donations which may be paid by Banker’s Order. Almost all donations are eligible for Gift Aid.

To date The Friends have made the following grants:

• £18,000 towards urgent repairs to the tower and the nave roof of St Nicholas, Great Kimble. This work was essential for safety reasons and to avoid further damage. It attracted a grant of 80% of the cost from English Heritage as well as some contributions from other sources. The grant from English Heritage was conditional upon The Friends’ contribution. Approximately £13,000 towards the cost of repairs to the stonework and windows at All Saints, Little Kimble.
• £4,300 for the restoration of the Hill organ in St Nicholas.
• £3,300 for urgent work on the bells at St Nicholas.
• £3,000 towards heating and insurance.

Future commitments include:

• Urgent work on the drainage at St Nicholas. This could cost in the region of £55,000. The work could be done in stages but is unlikely to qualify for a grant from English Heritage. (When this has been completed repairs will be required to the floor.)
• Replacement of the roof at All Saints. It is likely that the cost will be of the order of £120,000. It is not yet clear whether or not English Heritage will help with this, but in any case a substantial grant will be required from The Friends.
• Restoration of the valuable wall paintings in All Saints. The cost of this is not yet determined but is certain to be substantial.

Obtaining the necessary authority to carry out repairs to churches tends to be a slow process. However, it is essential that The Friends continue to raise as much money as they can so that they are in a position to help when the time comes.

Back