Progress report – 11th March 2023
Over 80 people came last Saturday to see progress for themselves. Since then the ground workers have been on site again lowering the path outside the new entrance so it is at the same level as the floor inside. Rather than more than half a metre deep of tarmac, foundation and rubble will need to be dug out. There will then be a low retaining wall to hold the grass on the side opposite the door, and a new drain and soakaway provided.
If you came, and were curious about the kitchen cabinets in the Lady Chapel – these are their way to the utility area where they will sit under a very long work top provide storage and work space for the Flower Guild.
We have to hold open days on a Saturday, or we will hold up the work, but it would be been good to have been able to ask the conservator from Paye exactly what she was doing when working on the font. The Rector and congregation members could only speculate.
It’s not only the font that is being conserved. Cracks in many of the floor memorials are being repaired and some pieces pinned together. There has also been a massive amount of work on the pulpit which was precariously balanced on a broken memorial stone, broken we believe many years ago.
More funds are still needed and, even if you have given already, please consider whether you might give a little more. Some people have and it is very welcome. Thank you. You will find all the details on the website. We are only £50,000 away from our £120,000 target and also need more donations towards the organ and chairs.
Although the building itself is closed, worship continues in The Cornerstone on Sundays (8, 9.30 and 11.15am) and on weekdays (Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 am and Thursday at 9 am) and the bell ringers have access to the tower. There is still access to almost all the churchyard either through the lychgate in London Road or the double gate in Norreys Avenue. The memorials by The Cornerstone and by the vestry door can be accessed by arrangement with the Parish office.
