Building work @ St. Mary's

We are set to see quite a lot of building work taking place both inside and out of our church building, as we follow an exciting programme to realise the potential of the building.

With the help of a generous grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund, we are focussing on two objectives: firstly, to bring some of our facilities up to modern standards; secondly, to utilise the space better for the many activities taking place within the building.

The first stage of the work involved repairing the roof in the SW corner of the church. The arrangements for the discharge of water off the roof in this area were inadequate and so water had been backing up and running down the inside of the walls during storms. Considerable rotting of the timbers had meant that replacements needed to be installed. The downspouts were adapted to solve the basic problem, roof timbers replaced and the interior redecorated.  

With that first stage out of the way, attention moved on to the inside work. We are beginning in the south porch, where we want to take out the step and thereby improve access considerably.  At the same time, we will install glass doors so that the old oak doors can be kept open. The approach into the building will be greatly improved, to be more open and welcoming. We will also be making access improvements within the building. 

Our servery facilities will be upgraded and we will be installing a WC within the building, all making for a more comfortable experience for our visitors.

There was formerly a bell ringing platform in the tower. We wish to reinstall that, thereby creating a room at ground floor level which can be used as a creche during services or a meeting room. The bellringers will ring from a dedicated space at first floor level. 

After a considerable amount of work, detailed plans have been completed and agreed. They are now with the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC), whose consent we need in order to commence work. They in turn will seek the opinion of various heritage bodies. We have had two visits from the DAC who have indicated their support for the project in principle, so we are hoping that permission will be forthcoming without undue delay. 

Whilst this process is underway, we welcome comments from church members both as to the general concept and the detail. Detailed drawings can be accessed via the Church Office and we plan to generate some more user friendly materials as an aid to consultation.

Please bear with us as this work takes place. We believe that we will enhance the building both as a place of worship and a space for community events.

Please click here to view Michael Ryley talk about the project at the 2026 APCM 

The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.

Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Building Work at St. Mary's is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to get this work started.