Latest on Old Buckenham roof

Raise the Roof update

The Parish Church of All Saints has been at the centre of the village of Old Buckenham for at least 1000 years.  The present building has Saxon foundations, a Norman doorway, 12th to 15th century walls, a 15th Century font and some wonderful medieval painted and stained glass – along with Victorian pews, carved pulpit and stained glass.

In recent years this wonderful building has seen a great deal of work done to preserve it for future generations – including re-facing the Tower and restoring the medieval glass - but it is over 30 years since any of the thatch was last repaired. Some hasn’t been touched for 50 years. 

The thatch is now seriously in need of total replacement. There is already some evidence of water entry into the ceiling and if this continues it could cause catastrophic damage to the structure and interior of the church.

‘Raise the Roof’ is a major project not just to raise the funds to replace the thatch but also to involve the whole community in developing a greater appreciation of this wonderful heritage in the heart of the village. 

The project will now be in two parts:

Re-thatching the chancel roof will take place this year – 2018 – because it is in the most serious state and the nave roof will be done in 2019 or 2020.

There is a need to raise at least £30,000 to cover the cost of the chancel roof alone. The nave roof will probably cost a further £60,000 to £70,000, depending on the issues found when stage one is completed

So far the Raise the Roof campaign has raised over £21,000.

For more information please get in touch with Alison Hannah via email thegables_2000@yahoo.co.uk