Lotto lifeline (From Penarth Times)

Lotto lifeline

A PENARTH' church is celebrating this week after a massive Lottery cash boost.

St Augustine's has been awarded £430,000 from the Heritage Fund to save its crumbling Victorian brickwork.

As reported in the Times, the church's stone wall has been cordoned off, parts of the roof are leaking, the lighting system needs modernising and access paths need to be revamped.

The total cost of the renovations is £750,000 but with the help of the Lottery cash, the church is confident the building will be saved.

Father Robert Donkin said: "We are delighted that our church was chosen to be given such a substantial amount of cash.

It is quite amazing that the funds raised have already reached the tens of thousands.

"The people of Penarth have been very generous and former residents from as a far afield as America have sent money.

There have been many other donations from all over Britain which proves how important the building is."

Professor Tom Pritchard, chairman of the Heritage Lottery Fund Committee for Wales, said: "St Augustine's is a splendid building.

It can now be repaired and protected using traditional materials and techniques."

To date, the church has raised £40,000 through members' contributions.

Then there is the £430,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

There is also a further fundraising event this Sunday.

The Open Day from 12 noon to 5pm is free and offers many attractions.

Visitors will be able to view the magnificent features of the church and find out more about it.

They will be invited to sit in the pews and to listen music played on the newly restored William Hill organ.

They will be able to see the unusual tomb of one of Wales' foremost composers, Joseph Parry.

There will also be a question sheet for children.