Hat & Boots Restoration Appeal and proposed repairs to Haddenham Baptist Church
It's been two and a half years since the Hat & Boots Restoration Appeal was launched to raise funds to restore and repair wychert-built Haddenham Baptist Church in Stockwell. Minister Jonny Fillis, members of Haddenham Baptist Church and the small fundraising team have been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of the local community. We are all so grateful to everyone who has come forward to help raise almost £52,000 so far from local events and donations. Thank you.
After two very busy years packed with regular fundraising events, the Hat and Boots Restoration Appeal has been dormant over the winter but plenty has been going on behind the scenes! We are pleased to share an update of what we have been doing and plans for the next stage.
The wet and cold winter weather presented further problems, causing some of the render to delaminate on one of the wychert walls in January (see photo). We have had to spend some hard-earned funds on emergency repairs and professional fees. Haddenham Baptist Church has been working closely with an Oxfordshire-based architect who has previous experience of other historic church restoration projects.
The architect has put together a proposed plan, which will provide greatest flexibility for any possible future work to improve the accessibility, functionality and aesthetics of this 215 year old historic listed building.
External works will include the removal of ALL the old render and repairs to the wychert walls, followed by the application of a lime render and breathable white paint, leaving the grumplings exposed. New foul and storm water underground systems will be installed with protection to allow for limited parking in the courtyard, which will be resurfaced.
The south entrance pillars will be removed and restored to provide a wider entrance, re-using the extended and renovated existing gates. The external windows, doors and entrance porch will all be repaired and redecorated.
A covered walkway will be installed in the corridor between the church and school room, which will be finished as an internal area with new floor and lighting. This cover will enable water to drain from the roof, rather than via downpipes in the passageway, which will in turn help the wychert building to stay dry.
Inside the church, the cracked ceiling will be replaced, and the loft will be insulated and boarded out. Appropriate new lighting will be installed within the new ceiling. The worst areas of the internal render (see photo) will be repaired and redecorated. All works will be carried out with respect and consideration of the environmental impact and our neighbours. Completion of this project should mean that the Baptist chapel can be removed from Historic England's "Building at Risk" register.
At a meeting on Sunday 6th April, members of Haddenham Baptist Church agreed to the above proposals, so what's next?
The Baptist Church is now starting the process of applying for consent and approval from various organisations including the Baptist Union Listed Buildings Advisory Committee, the Local Authority and relevant Heritage consent. Once approvals have been given – hopefully in the summer of this year – tender documents can be drawn up to send to appropriately qualified Building Contractors.
At this stage, grant applications can be made to cover the cost. Initially we thought that repairs could cost up to half a million pounds, but the total is likely to be significantly higher. It was essential to start our Hat & Boots fundraising locally as this will demonstrate to potential funders that we have support from the Haddenham village community, that we have made an effort to raise initial funds ourselves and we are not fully relying on grants to pay for the project. There are bound to be delays and unforeseen circumstances along the way but all being well, the goal will be to start work in the Spring of 2026.
The Hat & Boots Restoration Appeal is needed now more than ever. We will continue to offer a range of interesting and varied fundraising events for the enjoyment of local residents.
On 9th May, a Latin Night will be held 7-9.30pm at the Haddenham Pavillion in collaboration with Kaso Studios. A fun evening of learning to dance basic Salsa and Merengue steps. No experience or partner necessary.
Our annual Family Summer Barbeque will be held 5-8pm on Friday 27th June at 1 Stokes End.
The popular Teas on the Green makes a welcome return at Church End 2.30-5.30 on Sunday 20th July. As well as delicious home-baked teas and live music, there will be an opportunity to view the Restoration Plans – please come along to take a look and chat to the team.
Further ahead, we are planning a 1970's/Abba Tribute Night on Saturday 20th September in the Village Hall. Please put these dates in your diary, it will be lovely to see you.
More details and how book all Hat & Boots events are listed on Ticketsource at where applicable are also available Blooming Fruity Community Greengrocer a few weeks before each event.
We look forward to welcoming you very soon.
Francesca Flaxton
On behalf of the Hat & Boots Restoration Appeal Fundraising Team and Haddenham Baptist Church Building Committee
April 2025
