Heritage Lottery Fund Project

Stonework and Glazing Project

March Newsletter

The last newsletter finished by claiming that the views from the top of the tower were amazing.

The view from the tower to the north

                                          The view to the east

Of course the recent weather helped with these photos.

The weather has also helped with the progress of the work on the tower where most of the work to replace stone is coming to an end. The remaining work is chiefly on the louvres.

The stone has been hand cut to shape, ready to insert  above the louvre.

We were also able to get up close to the clock face.

Work inside the church has progressed equally well. A start has been made on levelling the floor in front of the pews. This is to remove a slightly raised lip, so a trip hazard has now gone. After sorting a fortunately redundant gas pipe the gap under the floorboards has been filled, ready for tiling when the ‘limecrete’ is fully dry. Pieces of the front pews have also been cut out to allow easy access and safety for wheelchair users. This work should be completed by the end of April.

As expected in the last newsletter, all the windows are now back in place, looking clean and bright.

The colourful central window in the south aisle

We are particularly pleased to have the medieval window back, now with extra protection which should ensure that it continues to fascinate visitors.

As promised, the glass panels from Willesley have also been fully restored and inserted into a window in the South aisle. This glass was in rather a fragile condition, but has been protected in a panel of its own.

Now free from scaffolding, we are again able to enjoy all the wonderful colours in the Abney window.

Look out for opportunities in the near future to come and find out more about our amazing windows, beginning with an Open Day on Saturday, 11^th May. Cameras will certainly be needed.

As if we weren’t really pleased with all this work, spring has also revealed a transformation in a section of the church garden.

This, of course, with a great deal of hard work by the volunteers of the Measham Medical Unit gardening group.

Remember, the church is still open every day for visitors and for those wanting a place of peace and quiet.

A very Happy Easter to you all!

Brian Abraham

(warden1@stlaurencechurchmeasham.org.uk)