Concert raises money for Darlaston church targeted by metal thieves
Scores of people attended a concert to raise money to repair a church roof which was targeted by metal thieves.
Two-thirds of the roof at All Saints' Parish Church, in Darlaston, was stolen after it was targeted two nights in a row, resulting in rain leaking into the kitchen.
Worshippers launched a £20,000 fundraising campaign and have so far raised £7,000 towards a replacement roof.
The first of two summer concerts included an appearance by opera singer Ralph Meanley, who was born in the town, and Warley Male Voice Choir, to boost the appeal.
All Saints warden Jeff Johnson, aged 63, said: "The concert was organised as part of a major fundraising drive to cover the costs of a new roof on the hall.
"It was awful when thieves struck and stole the copper but we are moving forward and the roof has now been replaced, but we are still fundraising to pay for the work and to carry out further repairs to the kitchen as it suffered a lot of damaged from the wet weather as a result.
"The roof alone will cost in the region of £20,000 and that's without even pricing up the cost of the kitchen so we are busy thinking of other ways to raise the money."
When metal thieves struck last October the kitchen was put out of action disrupting the lunch club and delaying the opening of a new Sure Start-led parent and toddler group.
The hall is also home to a karate club, two line dance groups, a food bank, a dodgeball club Darlaston Neighbourhood Watch, and an English conversation class.
A barn dance will be held in September to raise more money.
Mr Johnson added: "A lot of people use the hall so we are keen to raise the money as quickly as possible."
