Heaven's above... it's pouring down (From Warrington Guardian)

Heaven's above... it's pouring down

THE rector of a Middlewich church is appealing to the generosity of local residents after rain tried to dampen the spirits of a carol service congregation.

Reverend Stanley Haworth is asking for donations to carry out emergency work on the roof of St Michael's and All Angels after water poured through temporary covers onto a packed house during festive celebrations.

Although the roof of St Michael's and All Angels church has been under repair for months, further inspection revealed that the job will be bigger than first anticipated.

When the old roof slates were removed, it was discovered that the second layer underneath had also deteriorated and needed replacing.

Rev Stanley Haworth, the rector of the church, said: "We have had a number of problems with the church roof and were rectifying them with current repairs.

"But the discovery of these additional damaged slates will cost an extra £14,000.

"There have been occasions when rain, which has been falling at a certain angle, has come through the temporary covers on the roof and onto church-goers.

"So we are hoping that Middlewich people will feel that this church belongs to us all and help us to raise the extra £14,000 that we need.

"We are asking if there are any people who would be prepared to give £250 which would also allow us to claim back the tax they had paid on it under the Gift Aid Scheme, or alternatively they could covenant £1 a week for five years.

"What would be nicer than telling the taxman what to do with your money?"

He added: "This church has been here for hundreds of years and I am sure that the people of Middlewich would like it to be for a few hundred more."

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