Raise The Roof presented by Apple Venus to raise money for Delves Baptist Community Church, Walsall was a night to remember.

Imagine, inspirational words, comedy, singing, music, and poetry all with delicious cakes, refreshments and drinks (in real mugs!) on offer. Oh, and did I mention all this with the intention of raising money to repair a roof for a church? It was certainly a rewarding way to spend a Saturday evening!

Delves Baptist Community Church in Walsall had recently suffered extreme damage to it’s roof during storm Darragh, making it unusable for the local congregation This ‘Raise The Roof’ event was held in Wednesbury Baptist Church a few miles away to raise money to repair the roof.

I had been kindly invited by Ian Henery and Mark Ingram of Delves Baptist Community Church in Walsall to take part in the event. As a Muslim myself, I felt honoured to be invited and it was important to me to take part as I believe that everyone deserves the right to worship without fear in a safe place.

The guests were in for a treat! Apple Venus, Graham Foster, Mark Ingram, Ian Henery, Paul McDonald, Cheryl Ann Boot, and other performers taking to the stage and entertaining us. Each one bringing something new and their own unique delivery.
With so many performers, the evening was in two parts, allowing us to top up our drinks and catch up with each other, the sausage rolls were very popular!

What impressive acts to follow, especially as Graham Foster recited his wonderful poetry again. I had written a poem for the occasion, to highlight, not only the unity that we share as humans but also assure what we have in common, is that faith never falters in the face of adversity but instead it is precisely our faith that gives us hope.

Church Poem 15/2/25
We live in peace and choose to pray,
Even if storm Darragh blows the rooftop away!

We won’t let a missing roof, stop us from praying,
We stand firm in our faith, and this is where we’re staying!

How beautiful it is, for a community to come together,
Through joy and sorrow and despite the weather.

But this is the beauty that enlightens hope,
Through God and prayer is our way to cope.

That nothing no wind, no roof, will make our faith falter,
For we will continue to pray even if all that remains, is this ancient alter.

By Saida Chowdhury

The Other Half, ended the evening with the brilliant energy and performance. As Mark Ingram announced that collectively we had raised £500 combined with Cheryl Ann Boot also raising £120 with her own raffle. With nine raffle winners announced, those of us who didn’t win anything in the raffle, came away as if we had still won. A massive well done to the community of Delves Baptist Community Church. Everyone was so warm and welcoming when you think of memorable evenings, this certainly was one of them