We are delighted to announce that St Oswald’s Church is embarking on an exciting £400,000 programme of investment. This investment is made possible from a Heritage Lottery grant of £246,000 with the balance from our own resources.
The programme brings together five major projects, each designed to safeguard the fabric of our building while making St Oswald’s more sustainable for the future.
1. Replacing the lead roof on the South Aisle
The 100-year old lead will be replaced, ensuring the church remains watertight and protected for years to come.
2. Replacing the lead roof on the South Transept
Renewing the South Transept roof will address essential conservation needs and help to preserve the character and heritage of our church.
3. Installing a 100-panel solar array on the South Aisle
A major step towards a greener St Oswald’s will be the installation of 100 solar panels. This will generate renewable energy, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and lowering the church’s carbon emissions.
4. Creating a new internal porch
A new internal porch will improve the entrance to the church, providing an even warmer welcome, whilst improving the building’s energy efficiency.
5. Replacing all the internal lighting with energy efficient LED lamps and fittings.
Swapping to LED bulbs will reduce our lighting energy demands by 70%.
Together, these projects represent a significant investment in St Oswald’s past, present and future. They will conserve and protect a much-loved historic building, ensuring it can continue to serve our congregation and wider community for generations to come.
At the same time, the programme reflects our responsibility to look ahead. By combining essential conservation work with renewable energy and improvements to the building’s efficiency, we are taking practical action to reduce our environmental impact, while supporting our commitment to caring for God’s creation
This is more than an investment in bricks, stone and roofs. It is an investment in the future of St Oswald’s and its mission for generations to come.
We’ll be sharing updates weekly in the newsletter, on our website and with the Derby Diocese.