Restoration Stage Two

Thanks to a generous grant from English Heritage and welcome support from other grant making bodies the first phase of restoration since the church was built in 1895 was successfully completed during the Summer of 2007 at a cost of £270,000.

This consisted of the re-slating of the nave, sanctuary, transepts and organ chamber with much needed repairs carried out to high level stonework.

Stage two of the external restoration programme consists of re-slating the south aisle roof and the re-tiling of all the vestry roofs together with repairs to associated stonework, replacement of both the cast iron rainwater goods and window guards designed to protect the valuable Kempe studio stained glass windows at the east end of the church.

Despite the generous offer of a grant of £101,000 from English Heritage towards this work, a further £200,000 will be needed in order to complete the north aisle and Lady Chapel roofs, internal improvements and the restoration of the Nicholson organ.

The task of "The Friends of Saint George’s Church" now centres upon raising funds to complete the following items of essential and urgent refurbishment.

As specified in the 2004 Quinquennial report – completion of restoration to aisle, vestry and Lady Chapel roofs, stonework and rainwater goods. Completed in 2010
Restoration of the fine Nicholson organ, including completion of work begun in 1960, overhaul and cleaning of the action and stop mechanisms, providing a new sound board for the 16 and 18 foot reed stops and bringing the instrument in line with concert pitch.
Refurbishment of the stained glass windows.  These are notable examples from the Kempe studios.
Completion of the fitting of window guards to the stained glass windows.  This is essential to protect these historic and valuable items against potential vandalism. Completed in 2010
Replacement of the old wooden chairs with modern versions.  We hope that a more comfortable environment will result in the Church becoming an even greater asset to the community through being used even more widely for concerts, meetings and exhibitions. Completed in 2010
Regular use for concerts and similar activities requires good and flexible lighting.  Although a number of improvements have already been made, a further upgrading of the system is essential. Phase 1 completed in 2010
The Church already has a simple sound system and loop but for general community use some improvements are very much needed. Completed in 2010

These are the elements of Stage Two of the proposed restoration.  Further detailed information is available on separate sheets.