St Mary's Church Felmersham, Bedfordshire   Church Restoration

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.