Alongside our major projects, we do endeavour to keep up a good momentum of smaller repairs and improvements. Earlier this year, we removed the old lantern above the stepped entrance to the churchyard. As the photographs show, the tin plate had badly corroded and much of the paint had been eroded from the supporting arch, with some evidence of rust.
The lantern was removed for investigation and it was decided that a replacement would be required. While this was being manufactured, we rubbed down and repainted the arch. The costs were kept to a minimum as much of the work was completed by volunteers Colin Smith and Cheryl and Andy Gibbs. We are also grateful to the Parish Council who gave us a generous grant.
The new lantern was installed in June 2026, ensuring an iconic view of Church Street will be preserved long into the future.
The Bellringers’ Window in the North Aisle of the Church was dedicated to the Hillyard family in 1993. In recent years, a crack has been developing in the adjoining masonry. Although it was being monitored, we thought it would be prudent to have this repaired.
Steel ties were inserted in the wall to stabilise the crack, which was infilled. The opportunity was also taken to repair the masonry around the arch.
The work was completed in October 2025 and cost a little over £2,000.
In May 2025, a further section of the churchyard wall was repaired. The project cost £8,000 and we are grateful for the fundraising activities of The Crown, who raised over £4,000 and the Parish Council, who made a grant of £500 toward the cost of the work.
Before: The wall showing signs of serious erosion and weathering.
During. The wall was cleared and loose stones removed.
After: Skilled workmanship ensures the wall will be safe and attractive for years.
