Story
Essential repairs to the iconic Church Bell Tower
St Mary's Church is a listed building dating back over 1000 years. It is at the very centre of Upchurch and has been an important part of village life for centuries.
The candle snuffer spire is a local landmark and, together with the lower square roof, houses the church bells and clock mechanism. The iconic shingle spire is of an eight-sided cone placed over a pyramid and it is in urgent need of major maintenance.
The internal structure and floors are now dangerous, and the belfry is generally inaccessible, meaning that the six brass bells are not in use and the village has lost an important asset.
The maintenance requirement was identified by the church architect John Bailey of Thomas Ford & Partners, London, during his latest visit in 2021. He noted that the external boarding on the lower levels of the spire had started to fail, something that had been of concern for a number of quinquennials. Additionally, he reported that the internal floors are rotten due to water penetration, and these are to be replaced after new feltwork is laid to waterproof the roof itself. He drew up a detailed schedule of works required which also includes repairs to the louvres, the stonework around the louvres, and general bird proofing in the belfry.
The PCC will also use the opportunity of the contractor on site to repair the decayed internal plaster on the chancel walls where damp has penetrated. The cause has already been identified and is currently being addressed so that the walls will have adequate time to dry out prior to the contractor beginning works.
St Mary's Church, Upchurch
Upchurch church is a Grade 1 listed building dedicated to St Mary the Virgin. It was built by the Normans in 1300 and the six giant bells were added from 1550.
The bell tower has an unusual upper octagonal 'candle snuffer' roof. The lower roof and the inside of the upper roof now need major renovation.
Thank you
Charity Registration No: 606311
Coffee Morning
I am having a very informal coffee morning with Tori Akehurst to discuss fundraising for the church bell tower on Wednesday the 10th of August, and I wondered if there’s anyone that might be free to come along and be willing to help in the future.
You’d be very welcome to join us at my house at 10:00am. Please let me know though so I can get cakes etc to go with the coffee!
My address is 4 Bedfont House, Holywell Lane, Upchurch, and there’s plenty of parking if you don’t fancy a walk!
Elspeth Baecke
(Olivia’s Grandma)
