Helping to Protect Loughborough’s All Saints Church

We are delighted to announce that All Saints Church in Loughborough has received a £1,000 grant from the Chesterton House Foundation towards the much-needed restoration of the south roof. Located just a stone’s throw from our offices, All Saints is not only a historic church but also a vibrant hub at the heart of our community. The trustees recognised the church’s vital role in providing space for local groups and bringing people together from all walks of life, making it a cause well worth supporting.

A Church with a Rich History

All Saints Church has stood as a focal point in Loughborough for centuries. A church has been on this site since Saxon times, and the bulk of the current building dates back to around 1330. The south roof, which covers the Burton Chapel, was last replaced in 1862, but after over 160 years of service, it’s no longer up to the job. Leaks have started to affect the structure and disrupt the activities that are so vital to the life of the church.

Why the Roof Matters

Children’s activities in the Burton Chapel which sits below the south roof

The south roof protects several key areas of the church, including the Burton Chapel, which is used for children’s activities. This chapel is not only a place of historical significance but also a space where local families gather and where the church’s children’s ministry continues to thrive. The roof repairs are essential, not just for preserving the building, but for ensuring that All Saints can continue to offer its services to the community, including supporting the choir and music activities.

How the Grant Will Be Used

The £1,000 from the Chesterton House Foundation will go towards the £254,000 required to restore the south roof and repair the timber beams beneath it. Thanks to generous contributions from the community, including Christmas donations, Gift Aid, and proceeds from the Christmas Tree Festival, the church has already raised £201,000. With only £53,000 left to reach the target, the project is well within sight. Work is scheduled to start in October 2025, after the necessary surveys and restrictions for the local bat population. Once the roof is restored, plans are in place to install solar panels, making the church more sustainable and reducing energy costs. This step will further enable the church to support the community with the addition of EV charging points and other green initiatives.

A Place for the Community to Thrive

At its heart, All Saints is a place where Loughborough’s community comes together. From the annual Christmas Tree Festival, which sees over 80 local trees decorated by charities, schools, and societies, to heritage tours, school visits, and events for organisations like the Fearon Community Association and BACA, which supports child refugees, the church offers something for everyone. With a new roof, the church will be able to expand its programme of events and continue to offer a welcoming space for all.

In deciding to award a grant to the Church, the Foundation trustees took into account the current use of the building as a valuable community resource for people from across the Loughborough community. Andy Jervis, Chair of Trustees, said,

“Whilst our Foundation would not normally consider requests for building work or maintenance, it is clear that All Saints Church fulfils an important role locally, being home to a number of community activities and projects open to people of all faiths and denominations. The Trustees acknowledged this good work and were happy to provide these funds to contribute towards their continuation in the future.”

A Final Push for Support

Bridget Towle, Honorary Treasurer and Trustee of All Saints with Holy Trinity, Loughborough, commented:

“We are incredibly grateful to the Chesterton House Foundation for their support, which is a vital step in ensuring All Saints continues to serve as a place of connection for generations to come. Thanks to this grant, we’re one step closer to seeing this important building preserved and strengthened for future use by the whole community.

With only £53,000 left to raise, now is a fantastic time to join the growing list of supporters who are helping us make this project a reality. We warmly invite everyone to visit and experience the rich history and vibrant activities that take place here. If you’d like to contribute to the roof restoration or learn more about the church’s work, please visit our website at Restoring the Roof – All Saints Church Loughborough. Your support is invaluable in protecting and growing this cherished community space.”