Leaky porch roof at Wicken Methodist Church is fixed

The Methodist Church has completed the first half of its project to secure Wicken Methodist Church from the worst of the British weather.

More than 100-years-old and recognised as a local heritage asset, the building was beginning to let water in, both through the porch roof and in various spots where the old lime mortar is wearing out.

Repair work was becoming urgent, but donors and grant-giving trusts came to the rescue.

Wicken Methodist Church members glad that their leaky porch roof has been fixed before winter (Image: The Methodist Church)

Sara Rains, the church’s property steward, said: “We’re really grateful to everyone who’s helped.

“We started a project fund with a generous legacy, which was boosted this year by fantastic grants from Cambridgeshire Historic Churches trust, the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Benefact Trust.

“Our local Methodist Circuit has also given us some money, and this summer’s Sunday teas programme and flower festival went really well.

“Not only have we re-covered the porch roof, but we have enough left over to do the urgent brick repointing too.”

Sara added: “It’s been great to see the building welcome so many visitors to our Sunday Teas and other events this year.

“We aim to do the re-pointing work in the spring, ready for next year’s teas!”

Cambridgeshire Historic Churches Trust gave the largest grant. It helps churches and chapels across the county repair and improve buildings that are well-maintained and open for public worship.

The Garfield Weston Foundation is a family-founded grant-maker supporting charities operating in a variety of sectors across the UK.

Wicken Methodist Church hosts a 7-11s youth club in the summer, and is open for worship every Sunday morning, except when it unites with St Laurence’s Church for Morning Prayer every other month.

The Sunday Teas programme will start again when the weather warms up in spring 2026.