PARISHIONERS in Great Somerford are going all out to save their parish church roof with a major fundraising effort.

Grade 1 listed St Peter and St Paul is in desperate need of a new roof and worshippers have been told it will not last another winter.

So they have organised a series of fundraisers in a bid to replace it, including a village bake off, and a poetry slam by Edinburgh Festival star Henry Baker, the Sunshine Kid.

Churchwarden Alison Davies explained: “The estimate including professional fees is a little over £200,000, of which we have raised nearly £85,000 since Christmas from donations, sale of roof tiles, charitable trusts and events - no mean feat.”

But she stressed: “This contract needs to start in September because we have bats roosting in the roof, which need to be rehoused before they hibernate and because the roof will not stand another winter.

“We are awaiting outcome of grant applications which should provide the bulk of the shortfall. Meantime we are all out to up the fund.”

Among the programme of events in the next few days are a Little Gardens of Great Somerford, which includes a children’s trail. Tickets cost £5 and are available from the church. The event runs from 2pm to 5.30pm.

On Wednesday there is a coffee morning between 10.30am and noon at Mount Barn.

Later that day youngest ever World Poetry Slam Champion Harry Baker brings his Edinburgh Festival sell-out show to the church field at 7pm.

The following afternoon at 3pm there is Tea with Literati before the church fete on Friday and the bake off on Saturday. Baking teams of up to eight people need to register by Wednesday and the entry fee is £50 per team.

More events including a birthday party for the Queen and a recital by top classical musician Orlando Jopling are planned for next week.

Email tickets@woodbridgegroup.co.uk for ticket details and visit greatsomerford2020.wordpress.com for more information on the programme.