THANKS to a successful fundraising campaign an important building in Kendal is on its way to getting a new roof.

Determined fundraisers say they need £50,000 to cover the cost of scaffolding that will also provide a protective bubble over the huge Friends Meeting House roof as the work takes place.

The Grade-II listed Georgian building is one of the finest in Cumbria; designed by local architect Francis Webster in 1816 as a purpose built Quaker Meeting House.

“Keeping this wonderful building in good repair is very important,” said museum manager, Bridget Guest.

“It's home to the Quaker Tapestry Museum and protects a large and eclectic collection of social history. It provides a welcoming and comfortable venue for community groups and local businesses, who can hire out rooms.

“Now the original parallel pitched roofs, made of graduated Cumbrian slate with a lead valley and gable end chimneys, need major refurbishment.

“It’s one of those ‘once in a century’ slating and leadwork jobs - but it should last another century."

The new roof will bring energy and nature conservation benefits including: breathable underfelt and other ventilation measures which will help with condensation issues.

Solar panels on the hidden inner pitch of the roof are also being planned and bat boxes will accommodate lone male pipistrelle bats.

The roof also houses original winding gear used to raise vertical movable screens that divided the large ground floor room in two - a distinctive feature of some older Quaker meeting houses.

It is hoped that a final generous response will raise £50,000, to meet the total cost of £250,000, and that work can start this autumn.

Ms Guest said: “We are very proud of our building with its fascinating stories and design details. It’s well worth a visit."

All donations, large or small, and Gift-Aided if possible, will be gratefully received and help reach the target as soon as possible.

The Quaker Tapestry is reopening to the public on Tuesday May 18. There is a shop, exhibits and people can see 40 of the 77 modern embroideries that make up the Quaker Tapestry.

Donate at: https://www.quaker-tapestry.co.uk/product/make-a-donation.