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| (c) John Pattinson 2014 |
The sun is shining, the
scaffolding reaching heavenwards, and a smile of happiness permeates from an
inner joy within myself, writes John Pattinson. Perhaps I am the only person delighting in the sight
before me as I am greeted with, "not more scaffolding" from onlookers
beside me. It has been a blissful summer without scaffolding both inside and
outside the church as the last project of window replacement fades in the
memory, as if consumed by the warmth of days gone by.
Now the next phase of work
is beginning, a process that has taken much planning since early last year to
reach this point of a new beginning. So many people involved from architect and
contractors, Durham Advisory Committee and Registry, not least the support and
help from Heritage Lottery Fund, various trust funds and the church
congregation. A wonderful example of many gifts coming to fruition to achieve
much needed restoration work.
The south transept
"Lady Chapel" window will be the first work to be done. The aim is to
renew the stained glass window protection which is in a sorry, dangerous state.
Alas, the scaffolding in the Lady Chapel will put it out of action until
Christmas. The church has suffered badly from water ingress over the years and
new wider rainwater pipes will be added to the south transept and pointing work
to the roof. Hopefully by Christmas the first phase of work will be complete.
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| (c) John Pattinson 2014 |
March next year will see
work recommence and continue into the summer. The last two windows in the church
on the south nave will be renewed, alas a process which will cause more
disruption to church life as we have experienced in the past. There will also
be a new ladder from the tower for easier roof access, pointing work to north
parapets and transepts, new rainwater pipes and drainage and new roof
walkboards to complete the work.
Once this work has been completed then an
industrial clean of the church is envisaged. A much needed project for the many
in church who have endured the sight of the clouds of dust enveloping the
church interior. At this point in time the restoration of the William Morris
carpet will take place.
Much work has been achieved in the last few years which largely has been to restore the nave, chancel and transepts of the church. Restoration that has produces a new brightness and quality of light to the church interior. A ray of light illuminating the lives of all who enter this sacred space, visitors and worshippers alike, caught up in the glory of that which greets the eye and like the scaffolding pointing heavenwards. As we are reminded by those "hidden" words of invitation, (to the right of the main entrance); "Whosoever thou art that enterest this church, leave it not without one prayer to God, for thyself, & for those who worship here."
A further application for funding will be made
for work on the tower which if successful will take place in 2016. But for now
we are thankful to all who have contributed to this project.
