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Tower and Spire Project
A visitor to the Church, probably looks up at the Tower and Spire and thinks, well it all looks ok, it's very tall, for sure... but read on....
Tower and Spire Condition
The tower has suffered from serious structural problems for some time, particularly in relation to cracking systems and dislocation of parts of the tower buttresses and there are significant leaks causing corrosion of metalwork, decay of timber floors and ongoing leaks inside the ringing chamber.
A phase of ‘Holding repairs’ was undertaken in 2009 which saw a degree of repointing, pinning and replacement of fractured buttress stones.
While effective as a temporary measure, this was not a long term solution and a significant phase of repairs is urgently required. Sections of stone have fallen many times and, as a precautionary measure, a rope access firm was instructed to ascend the tower and to take down and set aside sections of stone that were vulnerable to falling, for reasons of public safety.
Major cracking systems are affecting all of the tower buttresses, and large sections of stonework have become destabilised. Other parts of the upper mouldings and parapet have also become fractured and detached and there are persistent leaks through the tower which are a particular problem to bell ringers.
Sections of stone have regularly fallen down to the ground around the tower (a serious health and safety hazard).
There are also concerns over the spire weight: This is a large ballast box filled with rubble and which is literally suspended down inside the top of the spire, its purpose to counterbalance the effect of wind on the upper sections of the spire to prevent the top sections of the spire being destabilised. The weight is in poor condition owing to corrosion and timber decay and in urgent need of repair.
Internally, persistent leaks have lead to significant decay in several of the internal floors within the tower, and earlier forms of internal water collection and drainage have failed and require replacement.
Access up the tower is unsafe, and improvements to ladders are required.
The Project
The project will include:
We also hope to include:
The project will be undertaken in two phases:
The Development Phase will involve a series of investigations and specialist surveys to enable a detailed understanding of the structure and its defects, and detailed repair proposals will be developed and tendered to appropriate contractors.
The Delivery Phase will see the work to repair the tower and spire and its contents, alongside a series of events and programmes enabling local groups and interested parties to be engaged with the project, the church building and its history.
Funding
Tower and Spire Condition
The tower has suffered from serious structural problems for some time, particularly in relation to cracking systems and dislocation of parts of the tower buttresses and there are significant leaks causing corrosion of metalwork, decay of timber floors and ongoing leaks inside the ringing chamber.
A phase of ‘Holding repairs’ was undertaken in 2009 which saw a degree of repointing, pinning and replacement of fractured buttress stones.
While effective as a temporary measure, this was not a long term solution and a significant phase of repairs is urgently required. Sections of stone have fallen many times and, as a precautionary measure, a rope access firm was instructed to ascend the tower and to take down and set aside sections of stone that were vulnerable to falling, for reasons of public safety.
Major cracking systems are affecting all of the tower buttresses, and large sections of stonework have become destabilised. Other parts of the upper mouldings and parapet have also become fractured and detached and there are persistent leaks through the tower which are a particular problem to bell ringers.
Sections of stone have regularly fallen down to the ground around the tower (a serious health and safety hazard).
There are also concerns over the spire weight: This is a large ballast box filled with rubble and which is literally suspended down inside the top of the spire, its purpose to counterbalance the effect of wind on the upper sections of the spire to prevent the top sections of the spire being destabilised. The weight is in poor condition owing to corrosion and timber decay and in urgent need of repair.
Internally, persistent leaks have lead to significant decay in several of the internal floors within the tower, and earlier forms of internal water collection and drainage have failed and require replacement.
Access up the tower is unsafe, and improvements to ladders are required.
The Project
The project will include:
- The fabric of the tower is to be scaffolded and thoroughly repaired.
- Sources of leaks are to be addressed to enable the interior to dry out, thus safeguarding internal structure, fixtures and fittings against further water damage accelerated decay.
- Improvements will be made to the access ladders up and down the tower so that it can be better maintained and safely access in the future
- Flooring will be repaired
- The counterweight will be repaired
We also hope to include:
- The repair of the clock, its workings and its face
The project will be undertaken in two phases:
The Development Phase will involve a series of investigations and specialist surveys to enable a detailed understanding of the structure and its defects, and detailed repair proposals will be developed and tendered to appropriate contractors.
The Delivery Phase will see the work to repair the tower and spire and its contents, alongside a series of events and programmes enabling local groups and interested parties to be engaged with the project, the church building and its history.
Funding
As of 24 April 2016, it has been announced that the Heritage Lottery fund (Grants for Places of Worship Scheme) has given their approval for a grant for the development phase of the project. Hopefully if all goes well and the development work is completed as planned then a further application will be made for a further grant for the repair programme.
At the moment the overall costs for the project are estimated at £300,000, better estimates will be known when all the surveys are complete.
We are going to need lots of financial support for this project, so if there is an event to help us raise funds please do come along, or if you are reading this and can help, please do.
Timescales
Investigation work, including rope access survey, commenced late April/May 2016 and the main repair project is anticipated to commence in 2017/18, dependent on when the funds can be raised for the work!
Surveys
During 2016, there have been several surveys to ascertain the current state of the Tower and Spire.
At the moment the overall costs for the project are estimated at £300,000, better estimates will be known when all the surveys are complete.
We are going to need lots of financial support for this project, so if there is an event to help us raise funds please do come along, or if you are reading this and can help, please do.
Timescales
Investigation work, including rope access survey, commenced late April/May 2016 and the main repair project is anticipated to commence in 2017/18, dependent on when the funds can be raised for the work!
Surveys
During 2016, there have been several surveys to ascertain the current state of the Tower and Spire.
Steeple Survey
As part of the Development phase of the Tower/Spire repair project we recently had a survey of the stonework of the Spire undertaken. Firstly a ladder had to be erected, that in itself, made people stop and look. Then a week or so later, a team of surveyors came and made their inspection. This involved closely inspecting everyone stone and joint from both the outside and the inside. Here are photos of the 'lads' flying from ropes. It was a sight to behold.
As part of the Development phase of the Tower/Spire repair project we recently had a survey of the stonework of the Spire undertaken. Firstly a ladder had to be erected, that in itself, made people stop and look. Then a week or so later, a team of surveyors came and made their inspection. This involved closely inspecting everyone stone and joint from both the outside and the inside. Here are photos of the 'lads' flying from ropes. It was a sight to behold.
Work under way...
2018
The Tower and Spire work was completed
We are delighted to say that the Tower and Restoration Project was completed in 2019 made possible by the generous support of the Heritage Lottery Fund. When fundraising and grants permit, the next restoration task will be the complete repair and redecoration of the church interior.
