Fundraiser for Burton Dassett church following theft

[dutchman]

A village church in Warwickshire has been hit by thieves for a second time.



Lead from the roof of All Saints Church in Burton Dassett was recently stolen, making its need for funds even more urgent.

The roof covering needs to be replaced as the church is home to several medieval wall paintings, which could be damaged by rainwater.

A summer art and craft exhibition will be held over the August bank holiday to help raise money for the cause.

Pauline Carr, from the Burton Dassett Restoration Committee, said: "The lead was previously stolen from the church four or five years ago.

"We are fundraising on a regular basis. Even though there is a little population in the village now, it is a big church and it is an ongoing issue to keep it maintained and restored."

'Have to match'

In recent years, stabilisation work has been carried out on the medieval paintings in order to preserve them.

Ms Carr added: "We get grants from English Heritage, but we have to match it with our own sources.

"It's happening all over the country and insurance companies are now saying we would get limited funds if a church has been targeted more than once."

The committee have played with ideas for alternative roofing, but whatever is used needs to stay in character and be within the Grade I listing status regulations.

The arts and crafts exhibition will be held at the church on Sunday, 28 and Monday, 29 August and will include paintings from local artists, cakes, and local produce.