In Spring 2027, St Mary’s Church will begin an important two-phase restoration project
designed to protect our beautiful building and preserve its historic character for future generations.
Phase One: Essential roof and exterior repairs
The first phase focuses on vital repairs to the eastern end of the church roof, which runs over the chancel and organ.
Over time, this section of the roof has deteriorated causing leaks inside the church. Tackling these problems now is essential to prevent further damage and to ensure the building remains dry and structurally sound.
Specialist craftspeople will repair loose coping stones, re-point worn flintwork, and restore damaged gable
ends. Inside the roof, timbers will be inspected, repaired, and treated. Roof tiles will be lifted so that those in good condition can be reused, while broken
ones will be replaced with handmade tiles that match the originals.
A key part of this phase is the complete renewal of the failing main gutter system. New lead-lined gutters and flashings will ensure rainwater drains safely away from the building, and new cast-iron rainwater pipes will replace the worn, outdated system.
Phase Two: Interior plasterwork repairs and redecoration
Over many years, areas of the church’s interior walls have deteriorated. Some of this damage has been caused by water ingress from the roof, while other areas have naturally degraded through age, change in temperature and long-term use.
Once the roof repairs are completed and all leaks are fully resolved, the
internal wall to the historic church building will be carefully inspected. Damaged plaster will be repaired where required, and the interior of
the church will then be sensitively
redecorated.
Throughout the project, all furnishings, memorials, and delicate items, including the organ, will be fully protected. A final deep clean will restore the interior to its full beauty.
This project will build on the success of our previous transformation, strengthening the church’s role as the heart of the community and ensuring the building continues to serve as a vibrant, flexible space for the wide range of activities that bring people together.
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