ALTHOUGH the lead roof stolen off East Meon church still hasn’t been replaced, services will go ahead as planned over Christmas.
There was optimism the lead on the front roof of All Saints Church stolen overnight on Thursday, June 16, would have been replaced by now.
But it’s been a “painfully slow” process organising the repair work, says church warden Leo Seymour.
He said: “Everything is in place now, all the permissions and paperwork, and now at last we are just waiting for tenders for the work to come back.
“We have had to liaise between the church architects, the insurance company and try and arrange for quotes for the work, it’s just been a painfully slow process.”
Once the quotes are back from specialist builders, one will be chosen, and then the work will be done at a time agreed with the chosen contractor.
Mr Seymour said: “I wouldn’t like to commit to a date when it will be done, only to say it won’t be before Christmas.”
June was the second time the church has been targeted by lead thieves.
After the first time, security cameras were placed on the roof and since the second theft, a roof security system has been installed, making it harder for thieves to plunder the lead in future.
It will be extended to include the roof replacing the one stolen in June.
The morning after the June theft, it poured with rain before temporary tarpaulins could be dragged fully across the bare rafters.
“A small amount of water damage was done then, but the tarpaulins have done a great job ever since then we have been able to carry on as normal, and the Christmas services will go ahead as usual,” added Mr Seymour, who is also in the church choir.
On Christmas Eve at 11.30pm there will be a traditional midnight mass, with carols, and on Christmas morning at 10.30am there will be a communion service.
For more information contact either Mr Seymour on 07891638844, or East Meon vicar, Reverend Jane Ball on 01730 823221.