St Peter’s in Harrogate launches appeal for new roof

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St Peter’s Church in Harrogate is to launch a major fundraising campaign for a new roof.

The church, which will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its consecration in 2026, has patched up the existing slate roof in recent years.

But vicar Alan Garrow said a replacement was necessary within the next two or three years and was likely to cost around £330,000.

He said the church had announced the news to its congregation and now wanted to engage with worshippers and the wider town about what St Peter’s means to them.

The outcome, said Rev Garrow, would determine whether the fundraising appeal is broadened.

He said:

Richard Jackson, who oversaw a £3.2 million appeal to improve facilities at St Peter’s more than a decade ago, will chair the fundraising appeal.

Mr Jackson, former chairman of Nidd Vale Motors and former chairman of the Prince's Trust in Yorkshire, said he had already approached some donors who supported the previous appeal about helping this time.

The appeal will also apply to local and national grantmakers, including the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

The preference is for solar slates but funds will determine what kind of roof is installed.

St Peter’s, which is a grade two listed building in the heart of Harrogate, is known for its food ministry. It operates a breakfast club every day except Sunday as well as a foodbank.

Rev Garrow became only the seventh ever vicar of St Peter’s when he took up the post in 2016.