22/5/10

To keep members of the committee up to date with St Mary’s roof I can  report the following:

when the old felt roof covering was lifted the roof timbers were in a much worse state than was expected. Our architect and contractor have drawn up plans to construct a new roof structure using steel girders this will support the terne coated stainless steel roof. All permissions for this to be put in hand have been granted, a faculty will be applied for retrospectively to avoid any further delays the completion date is not yet clear but we should be able to use the church again towards the end of July.

There are cost implications but the drainage work should still be able to be completed within our existing budget. Work to the chancel roof and side aisles will be put together as a second phase to be completed hopefully in 2011.  English Heritage have visited St Mary’s, they have offered help in completing their application form and we are intending to apply for funding for this second phase of work. 

Revd John Richards

22^nd May 2010