Concert raises more than £900 for charity and historic church despite near washout

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More than £900 has been raised to fund vital repairs at a 13th-century church and support a charity helping those in need across the community.

The funds were collected during the “Raise the Roof” concert at Rudry Parish Hall on Saturday October 24 – an event that came close to being called off due to poor weather and a flooded culvert blocking local access.

Proceeds will be split equally between St James’ Church in Rudry and Trethomas-based charity The Parish Trust.

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Brendan Murray, who was one of the organisers, told Caerphilly Observer: “It was truly a dreadful night weather-wise. We even considered cancelling the show at one point, sending messages out regarding the infamous culvert in Waterloo that regularly packs up when there is heavy rainfall.

“However, locals felt everyone knew which routes would likely be passable and unpassable, so we went ahead. And we were so glad we did.”

Funds raised for St James’ Church will go towards installing a kitchen and accessible toilets. Organisers say the work is essential to ensure the church can remain open, safe, and functional for worship and community events.

The remaining funds will support services run by The Parish Trust, which operates a food bank, youth clubs, bereavement support groups, and a baby bank providing essential supplies for mothers.

Mr Murray continued: “Despite the dreadful weather, all the artists and choir members made it to the hall and put on a wonderfully varied mix that gave everyone there a mix of the familiar and the new.

“It turned out to be a really great night. So many people heard musicians they’d never had heard in normal circles and were absolutely blown away by them. It was a like a cultural Pentecost.

“We couldn’t believe we raised over £900, especially when at one point it looked like a washout.”

The evening featured performances from The Parish Trust Community Choir, music group One Accord, and graduates from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

Among the performers is multi-instrumentalist James Jones, who has previously performed with the National Symphony Orchestra at Cardiff International Arena and supported folk musician Dave Swarbrick.

All artists performed free of charge.

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