Rethatching & Improvements - September 2016 update

Visitors to All Saints Church on Saturday 10th September were treated to a feast (and not just the cream teas, cakes, lunches and other edible delights) of information about this delightful 14th century Grade 1 Listed building.  There were historical records to study, including papers relating to work completed in the 19th century to rebuild the North Aisle and raise the Tower, each costing around £200 at the time.  A large display of artefacts showed life in Beighton and Moulton St Mary in bygone days and this was enhanced by the audio reminiscences of local residents.   Budding detectives were encouraged to discover the many treasurers featured around the church with the aid of a hand-crafted trail.  To round off the event, a stunning digital slideshow informed people about the plans to re-thatch, restore and improve facilities at the church which are being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund through its Grants for Places of Worship scheme.  21st century costs being slightly up on those of the 19th century, this work is estimated at £176,000.  Local fundraising efforts benefitted by a further £450 from donations.  For further information contact Kate Ashcroft, parochial church council Treasurer and Fabric Officer at: ashcroftkathleen@sky.com 

​A further donation received since the Heritage Day has increased the funds raised locally so far to £1,470 which is only £345 short of the target figure of £1,715 needed for the development phase of the project (see earlier post for details). 

The result of the bat survey carried out by volunteers on behalf of the Bat Conservation Trust in July confirms that bats are present at the church (no surprises to Tess and Rosemary who clean up after them!).  This means that work has to be scheduled outside the breeding season and must take place between mid-September and late March.  Because we are still in the development phase until the end of March 2017, work will not start on the roof and other elements of the project until Autumn 2017 and will be completed by Spring 2018.  Meanwhile the architect is busy drawing up detailed plans and specifications ready for the faculty application to the Diocese of Norwich and for inviting tenders to carry out the work.  There will also be more fundraising to do including grant applications to other bodies, as detailed in the previous update.
 
 

 

 

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