Chickens bring in cash for church roof

A Herefordshire vicar has introduced a hen run into the rectory garden to raise funds for the church roof.

The Rev Mike Kneen arrived to take over as vicar just as a half million pound restoration appeal was launched. Leominster Priory is believed to be one of the earliest Christian settlements in the country and still has daily worship.

"The garden of the vicarage is large enough to take a good free range hen run for the six I have introduced," said Mike. "I collect the eggs during the week and collect the donations to the roof fund at the end of the Sunday service. It's a very satisfying system."

The six hens, which comprise two Buff Sussex, two Maran and two Rhode Island breeds, add a colourful touch to the garden, and the hen run is behind secure fencing but gives them plenty of space, the priory assures.

"They have become quite a talking point, their fame is spreading beyond the parish," added Mike. "Demand is outstripping supply although they are all good layers."

The Priory Restoration is split into two phases, with the roof repairs as the first priority. The South Aisle lead roof needs to be replaced completely. It will mean stripping and relaying around half of the leadwork on the roof of the very large building. It is hoped that work will begin in August this year, as it is deteriorating rapidly. The estimated costs for this phase are £200,000.

English Heritage has offered nearly half of that sum if it can be matched with other money. The parish still needs to raise £50,000 to secure that. The second phase will include work on the heating system and the Nicholson organ. The historical and important instrument has been damaged by the leaking roof and the work will take several years to complete.

Leominster Priory dates from the year 660 and has had Christian worship on the site without interruption since. Leominster is believed to be named after Earl Leofric, the husband of Lady Godiva, who famously rode naked through the streets of Coventry on horseback.

It still has a worshipping community of more than a hundred and twenty each Sunday with many more people involved overall. It is also a major tourist attraction for the town and many musical, fun and cultural events take place in the building.