A congregation has launched a public appeal for funds to help to repair its church hall roof that was damaged in October’s two hurricanes.

The hall at Saint James’ the Greater Anglican Church, in Sandys, suffered major damage in Hurricanes Fay and Gonzalo and has not been used since.

The church has been told that their insurance policy will cover a little more than $100,000 of the $153,000 bill for repair work. The congregation has now embarked on a public fundraising project to raise the rest.

Geoffrey Butler-Durrant, the church warden, told The Royal Gazette: “The hall was dedicated in 1964 and is a very unique building,

“It is the only building of its kind in Sandys and when it was built the stage was only second in size to City Hall.

“It is used for all kinds of events, including prayer meetings, church events and stage productions.

“This is a very serious situation for us.

“We hope to start work on the repairs as soon as there is a decent break in the weather and we have a construction firm that is ready to go.

“If all goes according to plan, we hope to be able to have the work done in three months. But, that will depend on how successful we are in raising funds required to pay for the work that is not covered by our insurance.”

Anyone who would like to help should call 234-5459.