Clearing and Protecting the Tower

The tower was added in 1215 and our oldest bell goes back to the 14th century. For more of the history click here

However, the tower had fallen into disrepair and birds had gained access causing waste to build up. In addition, the bells were found to be in a terrible state and one of the major ones had cracked and fallen

A HUGE thank you to the National Churches Trust and Buckinghamshire Historic Churches Trust amongst other supporters without whom this work would not been possible. Please also see how you can help supporting future work on the church

Clearing The Bird Waste
Installing The Grilles
The State Of The Bells
How You Can Help

 

Clearing The Bird Waste

The first step was to get rid of the bird waste that had built up

There were about 30 sackfulls and a big skip was needed!

We engaged Iron Forged Designs from Brackley to undertake this work (ifd@hotmail.co.uk 01280 308975)

It meant we had to close the church for four days while the scaffolding was up, the grilles cut and the waste removed

Ben and Tom did a great job of clearing & disposing of all the material!

Installing The Grilles

Once the waste was removed, Iron Forged Designs then cut the grilles to fit each window

They then installed these to stop bird access going forward

The State Of The Bells

Sadly over recent years, the bells have fallen into disrepair and bird waste causing damage

It was found that one of the major bells had broken off and fallen to the platform below

In addiiton, the mechanisms that enable the bells to ring had deteriorated and one has broken as part of the bell falling

The other main bells were also found to be in a poor condition and not useable unless restored

This is the smaller sanctus bell - the 14th century one used to signify a service is starting soon. Again, this needs TLC

As can be seen, there is major work required to put the bells and mechanisms back into full working order

These bells are all noted as "historic" in the diocese and county records so it is a terrible shame that that they have fallen into this condition and the main set cannot be rung

How You Can Help

It cost nearly £7000 to undertake this clearing and protective work

But this has NOT put the main bells back into working order. That would cost £22,000 - a major project

There are 3 ways you can help:

  1. If you are able to donate, please click here or on the Parish Giving icon below
  2. Another way is to join our Friends organisation (FOStA) who support the fabric of the church through events and campaigns
  3. And then a FREE way to help our fabric is by generating cashback each time you shop online including at places like Amazon, Tesco and 7,500 other shops. Click here or on the Easyfundraising picture below

Thank you so much for considering

 

 

 

Powered by Church Edit