Why are we spending £400,000 now?
These projects are essential investments in the long-term future of St Oswald's.
Delaying major repairs typically increases costs and risks damage to the historic fabric of the building.
Why replace the lead roofs instead of repairing them?
Lead has a useful service life of around 100-years. The lead on the Transept and Aisle roofs was last replaced in the early 1930’s. Repeated hot and cold thermal cycles eventually cause small breaches.
The roofs have now reached the point where replacement is the most cost-effective and sustainable solution.
Isn't lead bad for the environment?
Lead has been used successfully on church roofs for centuries.
Lead is durable, exceptionally long-lasting, doesn’t oxidise and is recyclable. The existing lead on the roof will be removed, melted down and re-cycled.
The new lead will protect the building for many decades and can itself be recycled at the end of its life.
Why install solar panels on a historic church?
Solar panels will reduce our reliance on purchased electricity, lower running costs, reduce carbon emissions and allow surplus electricity to be exported back to the grid.
The original builders of our beautiful church wanted it to last and to be a central part of its community. Using the building to contribute to the wider community via electrical energy generation is in keeping with the vision of and for the building.
The solar panel array has been carefully designed to respect the church's heritage.
Will the solar panels damage the appearance of the church?
The installation has been designed with the guidance of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) and Faculty Heritage approval.
Unless you’re high up a few miles away with binoculars, the solar panels won’t be visible because they are concealed by the castellations.
The South Aisle has been chosen for its 180-degrees orientation to capture the sun’s rays combined with its shallow angle tilt, making it the optimum roof to install the black non-reflective solar panels.
What is the purpose of the new internal porch at the West door?
The internal porch will act as a thermal lobby, preventing heat loss every time the doors are opened.
It will improve comfort, lower heating costs and create a more welcoming entrance.
Who is paying for the work?
The funding has originated from a combination of sources.
The new internal porch funding was donated by a member of St Oswald’s congregation, leaving a legacy contribution. This legacy will manifest itself as a permanent structure that will serve our current and future congregations. The funding for the lighting upgrades will be met from our Fabric fund which itself is based on legacies received in the past.
To pay for the new roofs, a small project team was formed in late 2024, tasked with the objective of securing Heritage Lottery Funding.
In July 2025, £250,000 was pledged based on the vision to save our heritage, protect the environment, strengthen sustainability and generate inclusion and participation.
Will the church stay open during the works?
Yes. We will ensure any changes to visitor access or temporary changes will be signaled in advance to ensure your worship is not affected.
How much carbon will these projects save?
The internal porch will improve heat retention and reduce consumption, whilst the solar panels will make a substantial contribution to reducing the church's carbon footprint and operating costs.
In fact, early estimates calculate that the solar panel array will save over 4.5 tonnes of carbon every year. Put into perspective, it would take 75 saplings 10-years to fully absorb that carbon.
The lighting upgrade further enhances this saving by reducing consumption by two thirds.
We’ll be sharing updates weekly in the newsletter, on our website and with the Derby Diocese.