Spire on historic St Wendreda’s Church in March is crumbling and needs major repairs

A Fenland church – famed for its magnificent carved ‘angel roof’ – is launching an appeal to save its crumbling spire and is looking for supporters to help achieve its ambition.

The spire at St Wendreda’s Church in March, has substantial structural issues meaning the bells can no longer be rung, so a six-figure fundraising programme is about to get underway to save it.

It is feared without the essential structural work in place, the spire could potentially topple causing harm to the public and destroy the 118 decoratively-carved angles and 2,700 fleur de lys that adorn the beams of the roof.

“St Wendreda’s Church has one of the finest ‘double-hammer’ beam timber roofs in Britain,” said the Rev Ruth Clay, who is leading the fundraising initiative.

“The spire is also an icon on the Fenland skyline and it’s one we are passionate about saving.”

The Rev Ruth is building a volunteer team of people with a cross-section of skills to help bring the spire fundraising programme to life, she is also appealing to individuals and businesses to pledge their support and expertise.

“I’m passionate in making sure we tap into the excellent range of skills we are blessed with in Fenland. The success of our fundraising efforts to save the spire will be significantly enhanced by having a team of volunteer experts all sharing their thoughts and ideas and bringing them to life.”

One of the first areas of expertise Ruth is looking for is in marketing and design; it is hoped a graphic designer – in-house or freelance – will give their time to help brand the fundraising campaign.

Ruth is also looking for people with expertise in philanthropy, donor management and relationship management to maximise fundraising opportunities.

“In particular, we’re looking for people and businesses with skills in relationship management, marketing, and communications including social media, design, donor management and fundraising management,” enthused Ruth.

“Together, we’ll create a plan to achieve our fundraising targets, saving the spire, and bringing members of the community together along the way.”

Ruth added: “We also want to create a database of supporters, donors, and members of the public who wish to be kept up to date with the project, so anyone with expertise in IT, databases, and helping us communicate messages will also be very welcome.”

Initial plans to repair the spire have been carried out, including examinations by spire experts plus structural and scaffolding surveys. Stephanie Norris Architects Ltd is leading the project with St. Wendreda’s Parish Parochial Council (PCC).

Ruth is hoping business leaders willing to provide pro-bono expertise will come forward. Similarly, businesses looking to strengthen their environmental, social, and governance commitments by offering colleagues the opportunity to give their time to support the fundraising programme within company hours.

“There is so much at risk if the spire is not saved. The church has a thriving congregation for Sunday services and is also home to a growing number of events and concerts.”

Ruth added: “Our vision is to use the skills of the volunteers to help us on our journey to save the spire so the bells can ring again, and the church doors can remain open for generations to come.”