As many people will be aware, a small part of the church’s ceiling collapsed in July. Since then we have been continuing to monitor the ceiling’s condition using expert advice. Following the most recent inspection, our church architect has advised that we should close the church as a precautionary measure until a more detailed inspection of the ceiling can be carried out. At the same time, we are going to make some temporary repairs both to the part of the ceiling which collapsed in July, and some other parts of the ceiling where the lath and plaster is in poor condition, which will restore the church to full use as soon as possible. We are currently trying to schedule the work, which is estimated to take two weeks.

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While the church is closed, normal Sunday services will take place in the church hall. While this is not ideal, we are reminded that the church is the people of God, the body of Christ. Where we meet is where the church is. Weekday services will be held in the chancel of the church, which is unaffected, and access will be through the vestry door by the pedestrian entrance to the churchyard on Church Hill.

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Help prepare the hall for this Sunday

We need people to set up the hall for worship this Saturday (18 October) at 6pm.

Just turn up. Many hands make light work!

 

Save the ceiling!​

The cost of the further inspection and temporary repairs will be in the region of £20,000. This is on top of the £130,000 we have spent on the repairs to the church roof over the summer, which now protects the ceiling from water ingress. You can donate to St Paul’s using this QR code or by visiting https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/winchmore-hill-st-paul-winchmore-hill/

 

Alternatively, you can donate by bank transfer:

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• Account name: St Paul Winchmore Hill PCC

• Account number: 23119504

• Sort code: 16-00-15

• Reference: Your name + ‘CEILING’

 

Permanent repairs are likely to cost in the region of £70,000, and the PCC will now begin planning these repairs alongside other improvements to the church building, including redecoration.

 

Fr Daniel Sandham

13 October 2025