First phase of church restoration complete

Published: 15:00, 07 May 2018

Pictured outside the church following a service of thanksgiving was, from left, Richard Osborne, Parochial Church Council who liaised with architects, Ruth Procter and Lizzy Davey, church wardens, Michael Newey, chair of St Nicholas’ Restoration Committee and Rev Adrian Guthrie who took the service. Photo: Mark Williamson. (A13/4/18/6349)

RESTORATION work to the south face of St Nicholas’ Church, Alcester, is now complete and the scaffolding is finally down.

A special service of thanks was taken by Rev Adrian Guthrie to mark the conclusion of the £135,000 repair work of five south window surrounds which had decayed – some of the masonry dating back to 1730.

Work began on the project last October with stonemasons involved throughout the winter and the job finished in Easter. “This is a prayer of thanks to God, this is a celebration,” Rev Guthrie said at the church last Thursday where spirits were high.

"We thank you for the skill of the many people who helped to see this work done. We do all of this in honour and worship of you.”

Richard Osborne, Parochial Church Council liaison with the architects, said work on the five north-facing window surrounds will begin in August.

Much of the £135,000 for this second phase has already been raised from church funds and public contributions. The work is expected to last six months.

Stratford-upon-Avon Matt Elofson