“It is impossible to overstate the importance of churches to this country. Nothing else in the built environment has the emotional and spiritual resonance, the architectural distinction, the ancient, reassuring solidity of a parish church. To me, they are the physical embodiment of all that is best and most enduring in Britain.”

Bill Bryson

It is surprising that a building so familiar and apparently timeless should appear on the Historic England “Buildings at Risk” register. The register records that damp, caused by hard cementitious mortar trapping moisture, is endangering the walls. However, the register also acknowledges the efforts being made to correct the state of the church.

So much progress

The Fabric & Restoration Committee have been working hard to address the numerous issues and gain the support of generous funding bodies and individuals so that the building is stabilised.

Major projects completed recently include:

• Re-roofing the spire with woodpecker-proof oak shingles

• Re-pointing the exterior of the south side of the church with lime mortar to prevent the ingress of moisture allowing the interior to dry out prior to further restoration

• Extensive restoration of the 6 bells, rehanging and replacing the bell rope guide. Hanging the C16th Eucharist Bell