How it started:

In April 2002 investigation was done on the source of the water leak onto the centre of the nave, which appeared to be coming directly from the top of the tower. Engineers were appointed and a huge mobile crane was hired. It was soon discovered that the combined cross and weathervane was loose in its wooden mounting and needed to be removed. In fact it was removed there and then and a temporary cover was put in place. However, the members of the church were somewhat preoccupied with a more urgent task - the complete replacement of the heating system.

Nevertheless, preparation work continued and sketches and drawings were produced. In early 2005, Consulting Engineers were appointed to draw up full specifications and then in November 2005, tenders were sent to three contractors. This enabled an accurate costing of the work to be obtained and it soon became apparent that a total of over £25,000 was needed for the project. The tower is very difficult to scaffold and this is a large component of the total cost. As at January 2007, the total has now risen to over £27,000 due to increases in building industry costs.

The scope of the work is as follows:
Scaffolding - Provide maintain and remove at completion, an independent scaffolding for the works to the tower roof, and walls below to allow repointing including access to the bell on the west wall.
New Cross - Carefully remove existing split wooden base, which held the old cross and lead flashing from the apex of the roof, and clear away. Supply and fit new cross, hardwood timber surround and angles and fixings.
Roof repairs - Carefully check over hip tiles to tower roof, rebed loose and repoint all open joints. Check if any additional fixing is required at the end of the hips. Check over colly weston slates of tower. Refix any loose slates using copper clips and bedding as necessary.
Lightning Protection - Allow for connecting the existing lightning protection [which runs up one of the hips] to the base of the new cross.
Bell - Allow access for bell to be inspected by specialist. Allow for cleaning back the iron fixings to the bell.
Rafter Ends - Allow for rafter ends to be cleaned and oiled.

Where we are now:

As at early 2008 the PCC have received the go-ahead from the Diocesan Advisory Committee to make an Application for a Faculty. This is the 'planning permission' in the Church of England and allows for public consultation and church approval.

Funds totalling several thousand pounds have been kindly donated through individual gifts and at Gift Days, but the target has not yet been reached. So far, one grant of £4,000 has been promised. Further applications are being made for grants and it is hoped that these will be released during 2008.

A music concert with the Peterborough Male Voice Choir was held on Saturday 24 March 2007 and raised over £700 towards the appeal. A further donation of £200 was also received.

Another concert, THE WORLD OF GILBERT AND SULLIVAN by The Wandering Minstrels was held on Saturday 22 September 2007 and featured songs and scenes from the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. This raised over £1,000 towards the appeal.

The church will be staging further concerts to publicise the project and to raise further funds.Further details can be obtained from Mrs Dorothy Sterry-Blunt

If you would like to make a donation, please contact the Priest in Charge.