Voluntary maintenance and repairs

This page outlines - what is being done – what has been done – what can be done. Please read it through and take part, because even if you are too busy or otherwise unable to join in the actual work, perhaps you can donate or raise cash to buy what is necessary. Also see: Fund raising

What is being done

Routine maintenance of the church is performed by a faithful few – mainly female, and this seems to be usual with the Church of England. However, we live in changing times – the faithful few remain but, more volunteers have stepped forward, including a few men.

Churchyard grass cutting by volunteers started during April 2001. There is some discussion going on about floor tile repairs.

What has been done

During April 2001 some lower roof guttering was replaced. The church notice board had a complete paint job and the doors were eased.

During the year 2000, heavier work was performed by a group of men styling themselves the Warreners. They tidied up old gravestones that had been stacked against the church’s north wall, and laid them out in a bed of stones. This makes it possible to read the inscriptions, and gives a more pleasing aspect. Over the long term, it will avoid damage to the church wall.

Mr. M. N. Butler of Melville Road, put in a good week’s work on the organ, making adjustments, cleaning it up, including the pipes which had collected much bat debris, then building a canopy to protect the pipes. This sort of work is done by organ builders. It would have cost well over £500 to employ such a man; much more plus VAT if an established company did the job.

What can be done

There are other jobs that can be done on a DIY basis – interior wall cleaning – crack filling – floor tile repairs – gutter cleaning.

If you are ready to volunteer – male or female - please contact:

Gerald Goucher 01842 752100 Reg Robinson 01842 753601

David Wood 01842 761833