VOLUNTEERS in Shobrooke have been helping with the renovation of the cob wall at St Swithun’s Church in the village after part of the historic churchyard wall collapsed.

They were joined the by a staff volunteer from DCH (Devon & Cornwall Housing).

DCH are building homes at Tarka View opposite the Crediton Tesco store at Wellparks and have an interest in supporting communities where they have housing and are investing in community projects.

Paul Marshall Director of Community Engagement said: “We’re delighted to be involved in this local project – it’s a great example of communities being proud of their local heritage and preserving it.

"DCH has a vibrant staff volunteering programme and it’s exactly the kind of thing our people love being part of, being able to do something of community benefit during their working hours.”

Members from the Devonshire Association Buildings section met in the village hall in the morning of Friday, September 29 where they listened to two guest speakers who talked about the history of cob buildings, followed by lunch at The Red Lion Inn.

They attended St Swithin’s church to see the rebuilding of the cob wall and ask questions about the church and local history.

They enjoyed a cream tea at the church before departing.

A display in the church gave information about the wall and the renovation work.

PCC member, Lesley Browne, explained: "The wall has listed status so it is important that is was restored to its original state.

"There have been a number of fundraising events and some generous donations which have secured £4,000 towards the rebuild costs.

"Grant applications to the Rowan Bentall charitable trust and the Church Care Trust have been successful to gain the remaining monies required, but volunteer help was much needed to keep the costs within budget when further unstable sections of the wall had to be removed.

"We finally finished the final lift and the cob walling part is now complete.

"We will need to protect this from the worst of the rain, but once it has dried sufficiently, the capping tiles will be reinstated and all will be complete.

"This would not have been achieved without the hard work of the volunteers who helped and they can be really proud of creating a lasting legacy and helping to restore part of the village heritage."