RESTORATION

January 2010 – Restoration Project update

Old buildings require constant maintenance, old churches, it seems, doubly so. Having identified that substantial work was required at St Mary’s not only to the Tower but also to both the North Aisle and South Porch roofs, we launched a Restoration Appeal in May 2006 with the aim of raising the rather daunting sum of £100,000. Over the following three years, the fundraising team and their friends worked together to try to reach this target. At first it looked unattainable and we decided to divide the work into two phases, so we could complete at least the first part – repairs to the Tower – should insufficient funds be raised.

Work began on this first phase in March 2009, slightly ahead of schedule. Progress was good, although odd days of bad weather did create a few minor delays. Throughout this phase fundraising continued and, due to the exceptional fundraising efforts of all those involved and with the added bonus of a lower than expected contract price, we were delighted to be able to give the go-ahead to carry on with the second phase immediately following completion of workon the Tower.

The work on this second phase started well, despite the weather and a higher proportion of wood rot than we hoped would be encountered. Unfortunately, we then suffered delays, both in acquiring stone for the South Aisle cornice (for which the original quarry had to be re-opened!) and in fixing the rainwater goods (gutters, drain-pipes etc.) for the North Aisle and South Porch.

The work was finally completed at the end of November 2009, with a formal certificate of completion issued following an inspection on 11th December. Shortly before the final completion, in October 2009, we held a reception to thank those people and organisations who had helped to raise such a large sum of money in such a short period of time. Mr Bates, the church architect, gave a full explanation of the work and there was an exhibition of photographs detailing the work and its progress.

Everyone at St. Mary’s would like to thank the members of the Mentmore Arts Festival Committee, and supporters of the Festival, for your most generous donations; THANK YOU!

Of course, this is not the end of the road regarding repair and restoration of the church. At the very same time as confirming the completion of the restoration project, Mr Bates carried out St. Mary’s formal quinquennial (five-yearly) inspection, due in September 2009. His report will highlight the work which now needs to be carried out within the next five years to keep our church in good order. We will then need to set out an appropriate programme of work together with a programme of funding required to achieve it.

For further information please contact:

Karen Thomas: 01296 661509
karen.thomas@dial.pipex.com