Fundraising programme set up to save historical church

9:44am Thursday 4th September 2008

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A historic local building is under serious financial threat.

St Tudwal’s Church, in Llanstadwell, has stood for nearly 900 years, but recent findings in a report undertaken by Cardiff based architects Caroe and Partners deemed it in dire need of restoration.

If all the necessary repairs, which include replacing the roof platform and inserting new cast iron guttering, are to go ahead, then the full cost is expected to be in the region of £250,000.

The church has now established a fundraising programme and Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb urged the local community to support the project.

“St Tudwal’s is one of number of very fine churches in the county, and with its location it boasts stunning views,” he said.

“Not only does it hold great historic interest, but it also enjoys an active congregation and is very much used by local people. I sincerely hope the funds can be raised to ensure its future and would like to see people do everything they can to help.”

The report suggested that the positioning of the church, alongside a waterside setting, has contributed to the damage as it is fully exposed to the weather.

Church member Dorothy Cox is co-ordinating the fundraising programme that has so far raised £5,000, but she admits there is still a significant way to go.

“We are completing applications for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and have written to a variety of businesses in the area,” she said.

“We’ve had an encouraging start but there is still a lot of work to be done.”

Anyone wishing to help the restoration appeal can contact Mrs Cox on 01646 602464.