Two thirds of the way through the building works!

The works have progressed well through April in the dry weather, although the project is still a little behind the planned schedule. The site was safely covered from the sky in time to celebrate the “Topping Out” on Saturday 17^th April, when we were able to meet under the new West Wing. There should be a photo of the occasion in the Herald soon.

The big milestone at the beginning of May is the access change from the side entrance to the Lantern tunnel, a straight line entry into the church. The tunnel is for our safety while the new parish office, the new group of toilets and the doorways into the West Wing are progressed by the building team.   Also happening in mid-May is the break through from the choir vestry into the new East Wing extension and the fitting of the vestry roof lights. The vestry activity entails the removal and temporary storage of choir equipment and vestments while the works go on, Philip Viveash will be taking charge of these moves which will include a temporary vestry being set up in the sanctuary of the Side Chapel.   The return to the choir vestry will be delayed until essential redecoration and floor maintenance has been done in the vestry.

The change of entrance and the temporary restriction of passage through the choir vestry will affect the key holders for locking up and opening the church, they will receive new instructions from the Church Wardens.   There will be a short period when the only route to the water supply and toilet beside the choir vestry will be round the outside of the church.    Watch for special notices in the Broadsheet.

The next big step will be when scaffolding begins to come down so our church can emerge like a chick from the shell.

Michael England