Church – Boxford

This major project which involved replacing all the roof timbers including the huge main beam in the tower- all in oak of course, rebuilding the parapets and re-roofing, and completing a new drainage system round the entire church, is now finished. The rectangular brick and flint tower was built in 1693 replacing an earlier round tower which had collapsed, so it is hoped and expected that this work will last another 400 years! The date of this year’s work has been carved into an oak plaque placed on the main beam by the master carpenter. The work was carried out by heritage contractors JG Restorations and project managed by Mike Appleton.

New oak tower roof timbers

On top of the world!
Mike Appleton on the tower roof at the end of the project. Note the large hatch for removing bells if needed at a later date.

This major tower repair work now completes the 3R’s Project to REVEAL, REJUVENATE and REPAIR the church which began in 2010 with the remodelling of the interior of the church, removing the Victorian cement render on the south, east and chancel walls which revealed attractive flint work and the rare Saxon window in the chancel.

The PCC would like to thank all those who supported this particular appeal, with grants, donations and fund raising events, large or small – it is most gratefully appreciated.

Our ancient Grade II* listed church is situated at the heart of the village on the banks of the River Lambourn. The churchyard is separated from a small village green and war memorial, on the Newbury to Leckhampstead Road, by a brick and flint wall and oak lych-gate, built to mark the Millennium. At the rear of the church, on the riverbank, the Peace Garden can be found, a wonderful spot for quiet reflection. We hope you will join us for worship and/or visit the church to enjoy the building in its peaceful and attractive surroundings. During the week you may find the church locked for which we apologise but sadly this is done for security. For the key please ring the verger Joy Appleton on 07900620931 .

Fund Raising for the Repair of the Church Tower

Donations and Grants Poster

This now starts in earnest – already over £21,000 has been raised. But £150,00 is needed! This is the third and final element of the 3R’s Campaign – please see below. The structural integrity of the top of the tower, particularly the main timbers, has been seriously damaged by water ingress from the flat roof. The plan is to replace damaged timbers, the lead roofing and coping stones and install a bespoke internal to external water drainage system which will take rainwater to the new external drainage channels around the church. The plans have been approved by the Oxford Diocese and West Berkshire Planning Department. Boxford Parochial Church Council (Boxford PCC) are now in the throes of raising the monies required. If you would like to help and make a donation, please send a cheque to The Treasurer, Boxford PCC, c/o Appledene, School Lane, Boxford RG20 8DX. It is hoped that the work can start at the end of 2023 or early in 2024.

The 3R’s Project

The 3R’s Project started in May 2010, aimed to repair the tower; reveal the ancient, possibly Saxon construction by removing the cement render outside and the internal plaster on the inside so enabling the walls to dry out before redecoration; and rejuvenate the interior by including toilet and kitchen facilities and removing the pews in the north aisle, so that the church can be used as a community centre. 2 of the 3 R’s, reveal and rejuvenate, were completed and a re-dedication of the church with a Harvest Festival service took place on October 3rd 2010 with around 150 attending. The Reveal element of the project has been an overwhelming success with finds including a Saxon window in the chancel. The Rejuvenate element has also been completed with the installation of a kitchen and disabled toilet which brings the church into the 21st century. The Repair element of the 3R’s will follow in due course!! The PCC would like to thank the many sponsors and those in the community who have supported the project with such enthusiasm. £140,400 was raised for the campaign.

St. Andrew’s Saxon Window

In 2010, workmen removing Victorian cement render from St.Andrew’s Church, Boxford were astonished to uncover a small Saxon window in the north wall of the chancel. The wooden window frame, carved from a solid piece of timber was most unusual in having a wooden shutter and is believed to be the only one of its kind in England. It has been left in situ with a moulded hood to protect it. Experts confirmed that the window was built at the time of the construction of the chancel wall which suggests that the chancel was in fact the whole of a pre1066 church and was likely to have had a thatched roof. The chancel also has stone quoins on its two external corners – a feature of Saxon building. The window can only be viewed from the outside as a large memorial covers the internal face.

Hall Hire

Please contact the verger if you wish to hire the hall. church@boxford.org.uk The church has brilliant acoustics for choir or instrumental/band practices and a fully fitted kitchen suitable for small social gatherings/meetings.