Pip and Jim’s launches urgent fundraising plea
An iconic Ilfracombe church has launched a £175,000 fundraising bid to pay for urgent repair work. St Philip & St James Church - fondly known as Pip and Jim’s - is a beautiful, grade 2* listed church and a prominent landmark on the Victorian seafront. It has been exposed to the salt and storms of the Atlantic since 1856 and, as a result, it now requires urgent repair and restoration work to bring the building into a functional and safe condition.
Members of the church have begun a major Heritage Protection Project to ensure that this important building at the entrance to Ilfracombe’s harbour is made weathertight and fit for multi-purpose use for future generations of the community. The restoration work is phased, with priority given to making the building safe and weatherproof. The initial fundraising target of £175,000 will be used for the first two phases of the Heritage Protection Project - the safety and future use of the building with urgent repairs to the roof and stonework, followed by work to prevent structural damage to the tower from ringing the bells, and preserve the bells themselves. Phases 3-6 will follow on,
as future funds are raised. Phase 3 will see work on the roofing, leadwork and masonry as well as the stained glass windows in the West wall. Phase 4 will add full disabled access and a modern hygienic kitchen area, while phase 5 will create an interactive heritage arts trail for tourists, schoolchildren and the wider community. Finally, phase 6 will see the installation of a more efficient heating system that meets national climate change targets. There are a number of ways you can help. Cheques can be made
payable to St Philip and St James Church, Ilfracombe. Cash donations or BACS transfers can be made to our Treasurer or you can text PIPJIMS £5 to 70085, PIPJIMS £10 to 70085, PIPJIMS £20 to 70085. You can also donate online at www.combetocombechurches.co.uk. If you are a taxpayer and would like Pip and Jim’s to reclaim Gift Aid on your donation, please include your name and address. For further details and enquiries please contact our Project Coordinator and Treasurer on mail2vince@talktalk.net.