Tadley & District History Society hopes to refurbish St Luke’s Church roof in Pamber Heath before the building’s 150th birthday in 2030

A history society is raising awareness about the long and interesting history of a local church in order to raise funds to refurbish its roof.

The Tadley & District History Society recently held an open day at St Luke's Church in Pamber Heath to raise money for the roof project and teach villagers and nearby residents about the story of St Luke’s.

Tadley & District History Society chairman Carol Stevens said: “In the 1870s the land for a day school and mission church was given by Richard Benyon de Beauvoir of Englefield and with the continued benevolence of the Benyon family the building opened in 1880.

“However, by 1909 the school was deemed unnecessary and closed but it was thought fit to retain the church and on 18 October 1909 at a service of dedication it was named St. Luke’s.”

“Over the years St Luke’s has served both as a parish church and a community hub, and continues to do so.

“As with many churches it runs on a shoestring budget and the maintenance of the building is an ongoing problem for the village.”

The society is hoping to raise awareness about St Luke’s with the aim of securing enough funds in order to renovate the church’s roof in time for its 150th birthday in 2030.