A charity which rescues listed derelict churches has its sights set on a 13th century church which has been closed for more than 60 years.
St Tyfi’s at Dinefwr in Carmarthenshire, was first recorded in 1291 and has been locked and silent since 1961. The building has severely rotting roof timbers, invasive vegetation and defective drainage and has been officially designated “at risk”.
It has until now been supported by what the charity Friends of Friendless Churches (FFC) describes as “an indefatigable group of four local men. However, the repair needs are mounting and their hope of being able organise and finance the repairs moving ever further out of reach”.
The charity wants to work with the locals to repair the building and make it safe for people to use and enjoy for decades to come. It estimates that repairs would cost in the region of £650,000.
A statement on the charity’s website describes the church’s indomitable spirit, despite its appearance: “When you enter St Tyfi’s, you'll be met with colourful bunting strung from all the wall-plates. The insistent cheerfulness of the bunting has for us, become a symbol of this church, its people, and its defiance and determination to keep going”.
Friends of Friendless Churches has rescued 71 churches in the last 70 years. As well as St Tyfi’s, the charity is also now hoping to rescue a Victorian church in Lincolnshire, which is said to be one of the most endangered in the country.
The ceilings at St Helen’s, Biscathorpe are collapsing, water is coming through the spire and the chancel arch is said to be “on the move”. The church was built in 1847 by architect W.A. Nicholson and is significant for its complete Victorian interior.
Historic England said it is at immediate risk of further deterioration.
Griff Rhys Jones, President of the Victorian Society, said: "It is a delicate and fascinating work of architecture and a remarkable survival — urgent repairs are clearly now required. In the longer term, a sensitive new use for it is needed, one that preserves the lovely and largely intact interior and its original suite of furnishings."
FFC said the two churches will cost more than £1 million to save and it has launched an appeal with a generous donor agreeing to match every pound given up to £500,000.
FFC said: “Saving a church is slow, costly work. A single repair can take months simply to reach site: planning, permissions, funding, and the search for craftspeople who still understand lime mortar, historic stonework, or how a medieval roof holds itself up. Since places of worship lost their VAT exemption, the cost of all of it rose by 20% overnight”.
The match funding runs until 31 March 2027, or until the target is reached.
FFC said reaching the target would enable the charity to take on “take on their repair, their upkeep and their future, so that two buildings now close to ruin become places people can walk into again for generations".