How toadstools are helping tackle fungus at Tenbury church

The church played host to a well-attended craft fair in November, after many of the exhibitors at the earlier H-Art event in September expressed an interest in returning.

A closing feature of the day was a raffle ”draw”. Roy Hadley, a Wood Turner and one of the exhibitors had donated a superb and unusual sculpture featuring a piece of oak from which toadstools were growing.

Appropriately, the proceeds will go to the Fungus Fund set up to tackle the dry rot discovered in the vaulting above the chancel during ongoing modernisation works.

Exhibitor Julia Berry won the prize, and the raffle raised nearly £300.

The 'fungus fund' prize (Image: Tony Penn)

Parochial church council vice-chair Tony Penn said visitors enjoyed the brightness and safety available from easily accessible electrical outlets installed as part of the modernisation works, which are now drawing to a conclusion.

It is hoped all the internal work will be completed by the end of this month which includes a disabled toilet and galley kitchen with all mod-cons. This, in turn, will make the large nave available for a variety of community applications, particularly those needing more long-term use that cannot be fitted into the hugely successful village hall.

Unfortunately, due to an error made by the parochial church council when they received planning approval four years ago, Mr Penn said, Malvern Hills District Council’s planning enforcement officer has advised that external work should be placed on hold until the matter, which involves archaeology, is resolved.

It is hoped that with advice and help from the Hereford Diocese, the matter will soon be resolved, as it is delaying safe access to the church.