Save the Teffont Spire FAQs
- What is the problem with the church?
All churches are required to have a survey every five years (the Quinquennial Inspection) and the last one for this church in 2024 identified a large number of critical areas that needed repair and restoration. If they aren’t addressed and further decay prevented, there could be safety concerns.
A more detailed survey of specific areas is now being conducted to identify priorities and prepare a detailed specification of works. The full cost of restoration is expected to be in the range £300-500k.
- Who owns the actual church and land?
The Benefice is the owner of the land and church.
- Why doesn’t the Church of England pay for the repairs?
The CofE does not directly pay for any repairs however they do back specific charities which are the gateway to fund donations towards such work. We are talking to these charities now, but no one charity will fund the full works. The most that any of the church charities will offer is to match funding raised locally.
- What are the charities you are applying to?
We have a full list which is available if you would like to see it. Please contact
- Why can’t we see the problem when we visit the church?
The majority of the problems (other than the weeds and tree growing out of the tower) are out of sight or within the structure like the ceiling vaulting for example so cannot be seen. This is potentially why they have become so critical now.
- Why do we need so much money?
Firstly the works are going to be quite extensive and in very hard to reach places like in the tower and behind the vaulted ceiling. Gaining access to such areas is expensive. The building is Grade 2* listed so specific contractors have to be used who are specialists in such work and on a register provided by the Diocese.
- Why can’t local builders do the work?
Due to the Grade 2* listing and the Diocese rules, only specific contractors can be used. Many of them are local firms.
- What is the National Lottery Heritage Fund?
It is a fund that distributes a share of National Lottery income, supporting a wide range of heritage projects across the United Kingdom. Its objectives are "to conserve the UK's diverse heritage, to encourage people to be involved in heritage and to widen access and learning".
- How likely is it the NLHF will contribute to our campaign?
We are confident that we will be able to present a very good case to secure as much as £250k . However, to do that we have to show we have raised funds locally – they will then match fund, we hope, or sometimes do more.
They are positive towards such projects so long as they meet the key four objectives: Saving heritage, protecting the environment, inclusion, access and participation and finally organisational stability. Critically, we have to show that there is a benefit in this project for the wider community.
- What if the application to the NLHF is rejected?
We can re-apply if rejected. We are taking pre-application advice as a part of the process. Ultimately, if we fail to get funding then we will have to raise the funds from other charities and from our own efforts.
- What is Gift Aid?
Gift Aid is a tax relief scheme that allows charities to claim 25% of the tax already paid on all eligible donations made by a UK taxpayer. This means that tax-paying donors can increase their donation by an extra 25% at no extra cost.
Further details may be found athttps://www.gov.uk/donating-to-charity/gift-aid
- What if we don’t raise enough money?
We will conduct the work on a prioritised basis and continue until such time as funds run dry, then we will continue to try and raise further funds from wider sources and other charities.
- How long will this extend the life of the church before more work is needed?
The roof of the church is in good condition and with this work, the church should be set fair for years to come. However, it is an ancient building so will always need running repairs.
- Are there other charities that might give a large donation like NLHF?
We are approaching all charities but none offers such significant amounts.
What happens if we give money and you don't need it all for the project?
Any money given to the project is put into a restricted fund within the Parochial Church Council accounts. That means it can only be used for the restoration and maintenance of the churches in Teffont
- How secure is our money?
The funds donated will be held in designated bank accounts and their use restricted to the purposes of the Save Teffont Spire campaign. We have a budgetary and payment approval controls within the project and PCC to enable appropriate management of funds.
- Who is on the project group and can I join?
There are seventeen villagers in the project group. Their biographies may be found at STTS Project Group
We welcome all volunteers as there will be more than enough jobs and tasks to go round. Please email
- How is the church going to be funded for the future to make it sustainable?
A key part of the NLHF funding is dependent upon providing a sustainable future for the buildings they support. We are going to develop a strong programme of fund raising activities to maintain both churches. We are also intending to market the church as a destination for American churchgoers wishing to understand their heritage in the UK. Such a programme was successfully run in the late 90’s and early twenties and raised a significant sum per visit.
We are bringing in WiFi to the church to enable donations, allow it to improve as a heritage visit centre and show off its amazing history and monuments.
- Can I raise money for the project by doing an event like a bike ride or such?
We would welcome all fund raising efforts and the Parish Giving website QR code can be used to help this. Please email