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St
Mary's Church
Felmersham, Bedfordshire
Church Restoration |
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Since
1975 the parish has made great efforts to restore the parish
church of St Mary so that it continues as a centre for prayer and
worship and as a focus for the life of the parish. Generous
financial help has also been received from those who believe that
a medieval building is worth preserving for the enjoyment of this
and future generations. Grants have been received from English
Heritage, Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust, Francis Coales
Charitable Trust and other grant agencies. Over the past thirty
years the following major restoration work has been
achieved.
1975: Lead on the
nave roof recast and re-laid;
1978: Tower restored;
1980: Chancel roof
lined and retiled;
1984: South aisle roof re-leaded;
1987-88: South transept restored and
re-tiled;
1989: South porch restored;
1991: Restoration of the West Front;
1992: Internal decoration.
1999: All 8 clerestory windows restored. The north chancel wall and 25%
of south chancel wall re-pointed.
1999: the north aisle parapet reconstructed on the back face.
1999: Plastic pipes and gutters replaced with cast iron on chancel and
north transept.
1999: North transept roof retiled and breathable membrane fitted under
the tiles. String coarse replaced.
2000: Lightening conductors fitted to the tower.
2000: New stone path from the lytch gate to the south porch.
2000: Millennium window fitted and window stonework restored.
2003: New under pew heating installed, new distribution panel and
incoming mains supply upgraded.
2004: Boiler space made safe by choir stalls made safe.
? Where necessary, floor pavers replaced in the nave. Carpet runners
removed.
2004: South porch floor repaired and lifted to allow for wheel chair
access.
2007: Tower steps repaired.
2007: Major repair of the organ.
2009: Cracked lintel above tower steps repaired.
2009: Disabled toilet and tea making facility installed.
2011: Major repairs to north churchyard wall.
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