Church
Reaching the end of their lifespan, targeted by woodpeckers and ravaged by squirrels, the cedar shingles on the spire of a lovely old parish church were in need of replacement.
The building is a Grade I listed with its oldest section dating back to 1290-1310. Originally the church had a bellcote in late Early English style, which later seems to have been replaced for a splay-footed oak shingled spire and belfry in the 15th century. It was only in 1868 that the tower was restored, and the spire rebuilt into a taller octagonal broached spire. The oak shingles were last replaced by sawn Canadian western red cedar shingles in the 1950’s.
As the shingles shown clear evidence of warping, worn and crackling, the PCC decided to commission their replacement and, after 8 years of much hard work in obtaining the necessary funds, the project went finally forward. Further work to reinforce the wooden structure, replace the well-weathered louvres, refurbish and regild the weathervane and cockerel, were also found necessary.
As appointed inspecting architects, JaM took all the necessary steps to get permission and to coordinate the building work. From obtaining a faculty, lead the tender process, negotiate costs, administrate the building contract, to inspect the workmanship, dealing with Historic England and the DAC on conservation matters, as well as helping to obtain further grants, we lead this project to a successful conclusion.
The PCC and the whole congregation are very pleased with the outcome of this endeavour that was longed waited to materialise.
