St Mary’s Restoration work
Roof
The roof repairs consisting of removing/refitting all the north face tiles, repairs to the leadwork and the replacement of missing or damaged tiles to other roof faces, were completed in early December.
In the course of repairs it was found that the coping stones needed re-fixing and this was done at the same time. This additional work pushed the final cost to £17,000.
Grants and gifts
The news of a £4,500 grant from Headley Trust towards the Tower restoration in early December was especially welcome in view of the increased costs of repairing the roof. This has brought the total of grants received towards the Tower and Roof projects to £59,500.
The combination of these grants with £16,500 from the Friends of St Mary’s, most generous individual gifts and many fund-raising activities has enabled the church to meet the cost of the extensive repair/restoration work on the Tower, Roof and heating in full, for which we thank God for His provision.
Quinquennial Inspection
By law we are required to have a full inspection of the state of the church buildings by an approved architect or surveyor every five years. This inspection is due in early 2012 and having spent in excess of £220,000 on repair, restoration and improvement since the last inspection, we sincerely hope that we can have a rest from major capital expenditure projects for some time to come.
The inspection will however remind us of the need to have scheduled preventative maintenance to ensure that the costs of looking after the church are not increased simply through lack of maintenance.
Many of the jobs can be done by a team of willing helpers such as those who, through the Friends of St Mary’s, did such an excellent job cleaning the church inside walls.
If you are able to help in this way please contact Ian Reekie (emails sent to the address below will be forwarded).
If you are able
to help financially with the upkeep of the church, please note that donations may be made
either:
via
the Parochial Church
Council or, if you prefer, via the independent
body The Friends of St
Mary’s Church who have raised substantial sums
towards the care and renovation of St Mary’s. You can contact either
body by emailing the address below for details.