THE roof of the 900-year-old St Mary’s Priory Church had a much-needed clean out thanks to volunteers.

Tutshill-based caver, climber and builder Jan Karvik has volunteered to help the landmark church with rooftop maintenance.

Earlier this month Jan abseiled from the tower and the lower roof spaces to clear gutters, weed and kill vegetation and evaluate broken tiles.

Other volunteers, wearing harnesses supplied by Jan, swept out the gutters which were accessible.

Jan said: “This church is an iconic building in Chepstow, and I’m pleased to be involved in its maintenance’.

Bristol architect Izaak Hudson had written in his quinquennial – five yearly – inspection report of the church that the roof of the church is in need of work.

The report notes: “The roofs and catchpits all need to be cleared of nesting material and vegetation, which is blocking many gutters.”

This roof work, estimated at a cost of around £10,000, has now been started by Jan and presents a huge saving to the ailing finances of the church.

“Parishes in the Church of England and Church in Wales have always had to be financially self-supporting since time immemorial”, says Vicar of Chepstow Rev Philip Averay.

“Our small congregation simply cannot afford to run it.

“We are asking the community to organise and maintain this building if it is to remain available for public use.

“This is why we have started the Chepstow Priory Friends, the organisation formed to support the church building.”

Rev Averay said there is a great need for volunteers to help raise funds as well as maintain the church – although volunteering doesn’t mean having to follow Mr Karvik up onto the roof.”

Rev Averay added: “Financial contributions of course are also welcome but there is also a great need for volunteers to organise fund-raising events, run tea and coffee stalls as well as carry out maintenance tasks around the building and, of course, to come along and enjoy the events in this wonderful space’.

Friends of Chepstow Priory chairman Ben Barrett appealed for people to attend their forthcoming annual general meeting.

Mr Barrett of Ian Watts and Son Funeral Directors said: “The Annual General Meeting is coming up on October 20 at 7pm in the church, and lots of people are needed to come along and take an interest in the future of the building.

“Do come along if you can, and bring others with you.

“The church needs you, either as a Friend, a volunteer or to serve on the committee as a Trustee.”

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