Church damaged by strong winds

The Rev. Stephen Potter with some of the masonry that broke away from the pinnicle of the St. Michael's Church tower and has caused £70,000 worth of damage following the recent storm.

The Rector of St Michael and All Angels Church, Rev Stephen Potter, said that if anybody had been walking through the churchyard when the stone fell, they could have been killed.

Two pinnacles from the church’s tower were blown down during the powerful storm that hit the UK a fortnight ago.

Rev Potter said that one of the stone pinnacles came down onto the roof of the church, creating a hole, with a second landing on the path outside the building.

St. Michael's Church, South Normanton which suffered roof damamge to the pinnicles after the recent storm.

The stone was smashed on landing but the large and heavy pieces would have caused serious injuries if they had hit someone.

“If there had been anyone around, they would have been killed, without a doubt,” Rev Potter said.

“We had to close off the path because it was so dangerous.”

A campaign to raise money to repair the grade II listed church’s masonry was already underway but now this latest damage brings the total repair cost to a whopping £70,000.

English Heritage has given a grant of £33,000 and church members have raised just over £12,000, meaning there is £25,000 still to raise.

“Members of our church have been fantastic and have raised thousands of pounds,” said Rev Potter.

“But if anyone wants to donate we would be very grateful. We have had good support from the community in the past and need that support again.”

The church is hoping to have the repair work carried out in the spring/summer.

Anyone who wants to donate can call the Rectory on 01773 811273.