Hat & Boots Restoration Appeal

Aim

Haddenham Baptist Church must raise up to £500,000 for urgent restoration and essential repairs to this historic listed Witchert building.

Haddenham Baptist Church is in a very poor state of repair. This 19th century Witchert chapel has major structural issues, dry rot in the roof, serious damp and poor drainage. 

Our limited funds will be spent on emergency work to start the process of allowing the Witchert to dry out but this will be a long and costly restoration process. We are concerned about its safe long-term use so URGENT work is needed to save the church from irreversible decay.

Built in 1809, Haddenham Baptist Church is unique. This Grade 2 listed building is reputed to be the widest Witchert structure in the world. Generations of Haddenham families have worshipped here, been married or buried here. Villagers and visitors walk past the church every day and it’s hard to imagine Stockwell without this historic and familiar landmark. We cannot let it fall into ruins, beyond repair.

Haddenham Baptist Church was constructed 212 years ago from Witchert, which is a blend of white chalk and clay, mixed with straw used to make walls and buildings. 

Walls are usually thatched or topped with red clay tiles and witchert buildings use other roofing materials. This historic method of building is unique to Haddenham and the surrounding area. To remain stable, Witchert must not become too dry or too wet, which means keeping it well ventilated and avoiding excess condensation. The best way of achieving this is to ensure it has a good HAT - ie the roof, gutters and drainpipes and a strong pair of BOOTS, which refers to the foundation stones which raise the Witchert wall off the ground, known locally as ‘grumplings’. 

“Hello, my name is Grumpling. Please help me mend my Hat and Boots!”

Hats and boots should protect the wearer against the elements, but the Hat and Boots of Haddenham Baptist Church are worn out and in desperate need of repair.

The Restoration Works

• Extensive dry rot treatment in timber roof
• Remedial drainage work to replace failing guttering and downpipes
• Major repairs to address structural movement and cracking to Witchert walls 
• Internal re-plastering of walls and ceiling
• Slate roof coverings to church building
• Replacement of weather flashings
• Removal of render on external walls and grumplings. 
• Replace render on external walls and grumplings with suitable breathable material
• Full survey of decaying windows and recommended repairs
• Further roof coverings
• Replacement doors
• Replace cement mortar with lime mortar
• Underground repairs and replacement of underground foul and storm water systems

We hope and pray that most of the funds needed will be raised in grants from charitable trusts and foundations, but many potential funders require applicants to raise a significant proportion of funds first. This is why we need the support of our village community to meet our target and save this much-loved place of worship.

We know these are difficult times, but every penny really does count. Please give what you can. Thank you

If you are a Tax Payer and you would like us to claim Gift Aid on your donation, please get in touch using the Contact Us button on this page

This project successfully funded on 31st December 2022