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This is a text-only version of an article first published on Monday, 10 April 2017. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
AFTER years of patching up the slipped and broken tiles and of strategically placing buckets and towels on the pews and over the hymn books, St Britius Church Brize Norton has a beautiful new roof.
The re-roofing of this Grade 2* listed building has been a huge undertaking, costing almost £400,000.
A dedicated team set up the 'Stop the drips at St Brits' campaign, and worked tirelessly, organising events and applying for grants.
The people of the village really got behind the project and turned out to support the many and varied events, which ranged from pancake suppers to balls and a beer festival. The project was generously supported by English Heritage, WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd) and the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust.
Grants and donations were also received from the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Wolfson Foundation, Allchurches Trust and the Bartlett Taylor Trust as well as RAF Brize Norton Charities Committee and other local businesses and individuals. The Rt Reverend Colin Fletcher, the Bishop of Dorchester, joined the congregation and villagers for a Songs of Praise and Thanksgiving on Sunday 16th June to celebrate the completion of the beautiful new roof.
Jacquie Griffin, the Churchwarden said: "This church has stood at the centre of Brize Norton for 900 years, providing continuity and a focal point for the whole community.
It is wonderful that we can now pass it on in a sound and secure state for future generations to enjoy. "