Sunday 9th August 2026
The project team are pleased to announce that most of the tasks of the first phase are now complete. Our Project Manager is currently working on the evaluation report, ready to submit to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This will conclude the first phase and begin the tasks on the second and subsequent phases. We will be celebrating this achievement with a Community Event at St. Peters on Sunday 16th August 2026. See the events calendar for more details and how to book.
All is not good news though. Over the past six months, significant cracking has appeared on the east wall of the Chancel. Our current Church Architect is aware of the issue, and we are working with her and our Structural Engineer to ascertain what might be causing this much movement in a short period of time. Trial pits are planned to be dug around the Chancel to test the integrity of the foundations and drainage, to work out what remedial action needs to be taken. This, unfortunately, changes the scheduling of the repairs and reordering works, as we need to protect the integrity of the church building.
We are advising the community to avoid walking around the Chancel (the side facing the river) as we investigate what is causing these issues. We ask that the community let us know of any changes witnessed when you are visiting the church and graveyard. We will keep everyone updated as and when we learn more.
Tuesday 31st March 2026
Actions are moving quickly now, with many of the surveys on the building now complete. The Structural Engineer has assessed the building, working closely with the Church Architect, identifying damage sustained and assessing the safety and integrity of the building. This has been followed by a Timber survey to identify the aspects of the roof which will need addressing, along with the impact of years of water damage to the flooring.
The reports will start to be produced now, with the aim of working out how the next phase of the project can be costed, along with suggestions for the location of the toilet and servery within the Church. Public consultation will inform this process, alongside the results of the completed Community and Churchyard usage audits.
It is the archaeological and ecological surveys that are outstanding, with Batman Barry undertaking a survey of the activity of the bats in the church over the early summer months. We hope to be able to open up the church during this time, for you to be able to experience the fascinating movement of these interesting creatures. Their presence is synonymous with churches such as ours.
The future of the Church requires the ongoing involvement of volunteers. A little bit of time offered by many people will make for the overall care of the building and the churchyard much easier for everyone to enjoy. If you can offer a few hours a month, please do get in touch with us. We are planning some Governance training over the next couple of months, to ensure that we can offer the best service possible to St. Peter’s and the wider community.
Our next social event is on Saturday, 18th April 2026, 7pm. We are hosting a fun-packed evening of Beetle Drive. This wild evening has been identified as being Savage! by one of our regular attendees. Tickets include a Fish & Chip supper, priced at £12.50 for adults and £8.50 for children. Tickets are available with either Emma on 07866663153 or Clair on 07792473797.
Monday 26th January 2026
After arranging the contracts needed to start this feasibility stage, work has begun on many fronts. The church architect has been appointed, and we are pleased to be working with such skilled professionals. They have begun their condition survey, which is fundamental to identifying what is required to install the new permanent roof and repair the building’s fabric, which has deteriorated considerably due to the lack of a suitable covering.
We have also started the Community audit of the church’s value and purpose in our community. Perhaps you would like to contribute your thoughts: https://forms.gle/5p6QVN73oDLz6iqH7
Heritage Lincolnshire will be on site on Friday, 6th February 2026. They will be undertaking the planned Accessibility audit of St. Peter’s, so we can work out what is needed to make the building more accessible to all our community members. They will also be joining us for the Chinese Night fundraising event to talk about the project and enjoy the fun and laughter that come with being part of the Kirby Bellars family. Tickets are still available with either Emma on 07866663153 or Clair on 07792473797.
Monday 6th October 2025
It is with great pleasure that the volunteers of St. Peters, Kirby Bellars, can announced that they have been successful in the receiving funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This is a great achievement, meaning that the project team can start the feasibility stage in the preservation and preparation of the church for future generations.
Working with Heritage Lincolnshire, the project team will begin a series of tasks to ascertain the repair and upgrade work required to the church building, alongside engaging with the local community in the role St. Peters can have for the future.