A RALLYING call has been made to help repair the roof at Droitwich Spa Baptist Church and safeguard its future for generations to come.
The roof on the east wing of the Baptist Church on Ombersley Street East and Winnetts Lane will cost £40,000 to repair but there is a shortfall of more than £20,000.
Although it operates as a church, it is also a home to many community events and groups.
These include Droitwich Foodbank, which uses the church as its centre, the Droitwich Spa Community Choir, Slimming World and Tribe Theatre.
In January, the Droitwich Repair Cafe also decided to move into the Baptist church after the closure of The Hub left the Droitwich Arts Network without a venue.
At Monday’s annual town meeting, Coun Dave Davidson, speaking as a member of the public, was joined by representatives from the church to appeal for help with the repairs.
It comes a week after Droitwich Working Men’s Club announced it was closing.
Coun Davidson said this was a personal campaign for him, as his mother went to that church and his grandma’s will helped to pay for the annex that is now the Olive Tree Cafe.
Before the meeting, Coun Davidson told the Standard: “This is a vital community asset that Droitwich badly needs.
“After the loss of the working men’s club, it would be a real shame to risk losing another hub of the community.
“Because they regard themselves as a Community Benefit Asset, the church is not trading like a commercial business and so are struggling to raise the shortfall in roof repair costs.
“A lot of organisations use this community church – it is a great asset to the town.”
The baptist church has been at the heart of live in Droitwich for more than a century.
Those at the church are committed to making a positive difference to the wellbeing of all who live in the town.
The Olive Branch Cafe is also based at the church and is open from 9am until 1pm every Friday and Saturday.
Anyone who can help with funding should call 01905 458935 or visit Droitwich Spa Baptist Church for more on how they can donate.
