I SHARE the worry about the condition of some of our churches as expressed in Matt Oliver’s article in the Oxford Mail (August 27).

Because the main purpose of these buildings is concerned with religion, most people feel that it is the Church’s responsibility to keep them in good repair. But they are more than just places of worship. They are history, in the same way that Stonehenge is history, a fact recognised by many of them being listed.

The first big spate of building was in the Norman period and many churches contain parts from that time. The next spate of building took place in the Victorian era when, unfortunately, their historical importance seems to have been overlooked, because much damage occurred through excessive restoration and, in some cases, there were complete rebuilds.

Because many churches have become little-used, some feel that their place should be taken up by housing but, what a mistake that would be.

How dull many villages would be without their church with its tower or spire as the focal point – a country village would be left without a heart.

As a painter, the things I look for in a village are a tall building to provide verticals – usually the church – and water to give movement or reflections.

Perhaps it’s time to start money-raising schemes, like Help for Heroes, to start generating the much-needed building funds.

Derrick Holt
Fortnam Close
Headington