Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and The English Martyrs (RC Diocese of East Anglia)

Our Lady of the English Martyrs (known as OLEM) is the focal point for the religious and cultural life of Roman Catholics in the city of Cambridge and its surroundings to the west and south. The parish is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of East Anglia (RCDEA), the registered charity which governs Catholic churches in the region.
OLEM’s building is Grade One listed and is known as one of the country’s most beautiful Catholic churches, built with landmark features, detailed craftsmanship and an architectural vision to be of national significance as a fine example of Victorian neo-gothic. Consecrated in 1890, it forms the heart of a busy, diverse parish in the centre of a growing city. It is Cambridge’s tallest building at 65 metres and is a popular visitor attraction, open to the public daily with free admission. The church is a centre for worship, teaching and social action.
The fine exterior is now under threat from weathering and requires urgent attention. The project aims to restore the fabric of the church building, with particular focus on repairs to the roof to prevent water leakage into the south aisle and nave. We are seeking funding from Thalia WB Community Fund as a contribution to this work on the south aisle roof (£50k towards a total of just over £176k).
The work includes the following steps:
Create site compound
Erect scaffolding with temporary roof
Replace roof timbers and boards
Make alterations and repairs to rainwater disposal system
Repair masonry
Make required repairs to vaulted ceiling and walls