Restoration Project Completion

14/11/2020

Our restoration project is nearing completion (a few minor works have been delayed by Covid19) after 5 years of work. We now have proper facilities in St. Giles for the first time – a lovely ‘servery’ where we can make teas/coffees, with refrigerator etc., and an accessible toilet which are both screened by our organ which has been relocated to the rear of the nave following removal of some pews. The organ has benefited enormously from the move, both acoustically and also by not being against a cold east wall, which had caused the rear panel to rot and which was replaced. We have added additional underpew heating and storage heaters to help protect the fabric of the building (the last one still to be installed once our electricians can return to work).

As part of the whole project, we also replaced the lead valley gutter in the roof and all the rainwater goods. Internally we also installed superb new LED lighting, for which we won a Diocesan award, and refurbished the corona which currently hangs in the Chancel, but which is being moved to the new Lady Chapel created in the east aisle where the organ was originally positioned.

It is sad that the current dreadful pandemic has forced us along with most churches to close, and that we have not yet been able to enjoy our ‘new’ church, but we all look forward to that and hopefully in the near future.

We are indebted to our many grant funders and donors who enabled this work to take place. Hopefully in spring/summer 2021 we can have a special celebratory service at St. Giles to welcome and thank everyone.