A greener and warmer winter for St Mary’s

St Mary’s Church, Lower Slaughter is looking forward to a greener and warmer winter thanks to the installation of a new electric heating system, funded through a combination of a Diocese Minor Repairs and Improvements Fund (DMR&IF) grant and a remarkable fundraising effort – including a chance encounter with an overseas benefactor.

The PCC of St Mary’s applied for and received a Diocese Minor Repairs and Improvements Fund (DMR&IF) grant to support the replacement of the church’s ageing gas-fired boiler. The new system, completed in September 2025, combines under-pew heaters, wall-mounted panel heaters, and zoned controls designed to heat people rather than empty space.

Karen Randles, PCC member at St Mary’s and administrator for the Benefice of the Guitings, Slaughters and Naunton, said: “The gas boiler was very old. It kept going until about 18 months ago, and then last Christmas it completely failed. We managed to hold our Christmas services but then had to move to our village hall as it was too cold.”

Working with our DAC Sustainability Advisor, Matt Fullford, the PCC identified electric heating as the most viable option for both comfort and environmental reasons.

“We are looking towards being more sustainable as a church. There’s only so much you can do with a Grade II* Listed Building, so we saw the transition from gas to electricity as a good opportunity.

“However, funding the installation felt like a big challenge. It was costing over £26,000, with additional decommissioning work on top of that. We are a small rural church, and we don’t have much money. Before COVID we were helped by weddings, but since then our income has reduced and many of our long-standing supporters have moved away or passed on,” Karen said.

Local fundraising initiatives helped build momentum, but the initial breakthrough came during a village refreshment day last November. Karen struck up a friendly conversation with a visiting couple who were on holiday.

“After looking around the area, they came back with a box of chocolates which was lovely,” she said. “They made a donation that same evening, and sent a Christmas card. A little later, due to personal circumstances, they got back in touch and made a five-figure donation – more than half of what we needed. Suffice to say, the PCC members were absolutely gobsmacked and so very grateful.”

In total, St Mary’s raised just under £30,000: £1,300 from the DMR&IF grant, nearly £16,000 from the overseas benefactor, and the rest from a number of local residents, church funds, and fundraising events.

“Each incremental bit of help added to the total,” Karen said. “Without our benefactor we would have struggled, but the generosity and support from our village and beyond was equally important.”

With the new system now operational, the congregation can celebrate Christmas in comfort for the first time in two years. “The heating works really well,” Karen said. “It feels right that we’re doing our bit environmentally, and it makes the church so much more welcoming. It’s already having a big impact on our faith community.”

As St Mary’s continues improving and caring for its historic building, they are now seeking support to repair a water leak and restore the ornate stone fretwork on the church tower. If you would like to help, please scan the QR code to donate.