A CHURCH in Southbourne celebrating its 60th anniversary needs to raise £25,000 to replace its roof.

Situated on the approach to Hengistbury Head, St Nicholas Church has been a focal part of the community since 1961 but is in desperate need of cash for crucial roof repairs.

Church council member Natalie Greenfield is hoping the church will make it to its 120th anniversary, but is calling on the local community to support the cause.

She said: “I feel it should be going for another 60 years so let’s try and keep in a reasonable state.

“It is a focal point of the community. Everyone near here has a connection or has had a connection with that building.

“There is still a vision for the future with lots of exciting and very big plans.”

The roof has withstood wind, salt spray and rain that comes from its exposed position but it now needs replacing.

The church states via its fundraising page that it needs £25,000 to replace the roof.

As part of the parish’s celebrations for the anniversary of the church, its members are holding an open air Songs of Praise-style event to raise money for the restoration.

Ms Greenfield added: “It has been very difficult to do anything to celebrate the anniversary because of restrictions.

“This will be a great opportunity to come together at the church to sing and praise the lord as well as acknowledge loss and grief from over the last 18 months.”

One of the challenges the church has faced over the last year is the significant fall in income due to lockdown restrictions.

Combined with needing to replace the roof, the church needs support to keep going and that is why it is holding this event.

On September 11, Ms Greenfield is encouraging locals and visitors from further afield to come together and help raise some funds for the church.

The event, which is free to attend, will start at 3pm and will last approximately one hour before refreshments are sold to raise money.

Guests on the day will be encouraged to make a donation towards the repairs, but people can also give money online via justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stnicholas