Page 13 - April 2024 Newsletter

responsible for the fabric of each of the four churches in The
Offchurch Group, and our appointed Architect Stephen Oliver.
It transpired that the whole framework of the tower had dropped
on the east side , and was lacking proper support from the very
substantial medieval oak framework. The Architect was so
concerned that we sought the advice of a Structural Engineer.
Due to the effect of rainwater leakage over many years, the
Structural Engineer advised serious repair work, splicing
seasoned oak into the defective and damaged sections. He was
satisfied that the damage could be repaired for long term
preservation. Instead of the previous tanalised softwood external
boarding, kiln dried oak boarding was specified, after first netting
the whole internal framework in stainless steel mesh and fitting
lead soakers to all corners. This is one of the reasons it was all so
expensive.

The work was finished at the end of February at a cost, in total,
approaching £40,000, including Architect’s fees. That we are able
to pay this money is due solely to the villagers of Hunningham,
plus some of our earlier churchgoers, who, in the course of the
past seven years have helped to raise funds for an emergency of
this nature.
We are indebted to Stephen Evans, who coordinated the work
procedures from beginning to end, and who, via his contacts in
the trade, was able to save us £5,000 on the cost of the seasoned
oak timber.
The end result is impressive!

Paddy Taylor

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