The Quinquennial Report of 2009/10 revealed the need for much remedial work on the outside of the church. This was divided into two parts: masonry repairs and repointing, and repairs to the rainwater disposal goods. Much of the planning and preparatory work was completed by Margaret Davies, MRDA Consultants, London W6. Margaret also compiled the necessary information to send to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC).
We were commended for the thoroughness of the report, receiving an award in 2011 from the chairman of DAC ‘for a very well supported scheme for repairs to masonry and rainwater goods with thorough statements of significance and need, and a comprehensive and well-illustrated specification.’
The faculty was granted in 2012.
The work was going to be costly, but the Friends Group set about fund raising, and by using a firm of local builders (Dacks), together with a team of volunteers working under the guidance of a mentor with experience in masonry and general building work, the work was started.
However, it soon became clear that the project was going to take longer than anticipated, and the faculty was extended by 18 months for the works to be completed by February 2015.
This was a tremendous undertaking, with more masonry weaknesses being revealed; and still there was more to do, and more money to be raised; so once again DAC extended the faculty by another 2 years, with a final completion date of February 2017.
When all was done it was a time for rejoicing and thanksgiving.