Essential building maintenance has started on St. Issell's Church, Saundersfoot, thanks to a £36,400 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The maintenance work was identified as being of an urgent nature in the church's 2003 inspection and the Parochial Church Council has been working diligently to raise funds towards this ever since. St. Issell's Church has been the focus of worship in Saundersfoot and the surrounding villages for hundreds of years, in fact there has been a church on this site for over 1,500 years. The building itself (a Grade II * Listed) is of considerable historic and architectural interest, for example the Carmarthenshire type tower c.1500 with its splayed base; the excellent east window by Wailes of Newcastle depicting the Annunciation of Our Lady; and the font, with its carved bowl, is among the finest Norman examples in the diocese. The work will last for 10 weeks with minimal disruption anticipated. The local and very experienced builder, David A. Siggery, will carry out the work, which will include replacement of the lead work on the roof, replacing defective rainwater goods (guttering), rendering the tower, repair of the turret stair roof, new louvres, and repair the mullions over the tower window. The Parochial Church Council is delighted to be able to continue opening its doors to the community from dawn until dusk every day of the year and is confident in offering a safe and well maintained building which people can enjoy. The Rev. Canon Michael Butler, Vicar of St. Issell's Church, said of the project: "We are very pleased to receive this large boost to our refurbishment project at a time when the Diocese of St. David is looking to reaffirm its commitment to the community by Venturing in Mission. "Our church buildings have been the centre of worship and mission over many centuries and continue to have a vital role in present day society. Our heartfelt thanks to the HLF and our many other donors." Fund-raising continues for the building project as some of the repairs are not covered by the HLF remit, for example the restoration of the bells and the renovation of the preaching cross in the grounds of the church. The Parochial Church Council is already very grateful to Booths Enterprise; Pembrokeshire County Council (Welsh Church Act Fund); The Jane Hodge Foundation; All Churches Trust; The Mitchell Trust; and individual church members, for already making contributions to this fund. For further information on this project, please contact Rev. Canon Michael Butler (01834) 812375 or treasurer, Caroline Mansell (01834) 812481, or email [email protected]">[email protected]