Church in desperate need of repairs

Work is needed to repair the southern roof of the 1,000-year-old St James the Less church, in Manor Road, Lancing.

A May fayre is to be held from 2pm to 5pm, on Saturday, in the church hall and will feature the launch of a raffle '“ tickets at 20p '“ in which one lucky person will win a giant teddy bear.

Named Ted the Tiler, because of the roof repairs, the bear will be given away as a prize when the raffle is drawn on Sunday, June 18, at the church. Father Roger Russell, rector of Lancing and Coombes, said: "We desperately need funds. Our ancient church needs to be preserved for the next generation. The timbers are rotten. We already have buckets for when it rains."

More fund-raising events are planned for the summer, and a car boot sale is to be held on Saturday, May 27, at Adur Recreation Ground, Shoreham.

The May fayre will also feature a bouncy slide, as well as stalls selling cakes and gifts. A samba band will be performing for crowds at 3pm.

Gifts and bottles are always needed for tombola stalls at events, along with china, bric-a-brac and small items of furniture.

Anyone who would like to help the church, or who has items to donate, should contact the fund-raising chairman, John Hacker, or Sue Blanchard at the parish office on 01903 750286.