In 2022, a leak was discovered in the roof over the chancel, evidenced by water on the floor, and patches of damp and dribbles on the carved ceiling. An immediate survey was commissioned, and it was discovered that many of the old terracotta tiles were in a perilous state, and disintegrating. (See Fig 1). In addition, iron nails used to fix them had swollen as they rusted, making it almost impossible to remove them without destroying the tile.
Architect Philip Orchard (Whitworth) advised that to protect the carvings, the roof would need to be replaced in full.

It became obvious that the work was going to cost well in excess of £100,000, a sum beyond the means of the Gazeley PCC funds. An urgent appeal was launched to attempt to raise the funds before too much more damage was done to the carvings.

The church began fundraising through events such as the Village Fete, and book sales. Local people made significant direct donations and sponsored tiles, but it was clear that despite this generosity, we could not reach the target without grant aid from funding charities that support the care of such Grade 1 Listed buildings. Grant applications were made to over 80 charitable trusts, 15 of which offered generous and much appreciated support.

Our grant applications were aided significantly by video messages of support from local church historian Clive Paine (Vice President of the Suffolk Institute of Archaeology and History), Simon Knott (administrator of the website www.suffolkchurches.co.uk ) and Professor Sarah Peverley (University of Liverpool) which we were able to post on the church website.

(See You Tube links above)

By June 2024, less than a year after the launch of the appeal, we had sufficient funding in place to award the contract to local builders George Collin and Sons of Kentford.

The repairs commenced in mid-September 2024 and were completed in November.