Renovations

After much planning and years of fund raising, the third phase of the church renovations began in September 2010 under the direction of the Parish Team and Finance Council and the then Parish Priest, Fr. Dermot.

Since September 2010 all the stone work has been cleaned. The removal of over 130 years of soot and grime has revealed beautiful colours and the many delicate finishes and features can be seen to advantage.

The church has been completely repainted in its original colours and has been rewired and relit with a modern lighting system.

The baptistery marble has been repaired and replaced where necessary.

During this summer, 2011, the pews will be cleaned and repaired, the sacristy and vestry repainted and a new heating boiler installed. It is also hoped to install the new sound system before the autumn.

The objective of the Parish Team is to make the church a safe and comfortable place with an environment that encourages prayer and reverence.

PHASE I: COLONNADE RENOVATION

Cost of work: £150,000

The first phase of the church renovation programme was completed in summer 2007 with the repair and development of the Colonnade.

This involved the provision of a completely new roof over the lobby inside the front doors. This roof has six skylights which have dramatically brightened this previously poorly-lit area.

The colonnade was rewired and all-new lighting installed.

The repository was moved from the top of the colonnade where it was restricting exits from the church, and a new repository and tea serving facility were constructed in a more suitable area.

The provision of chairs and tables have made the colonnade a very comfortable and welcoming area where parishioners can meet and greet and get to know each other.

All the windows were removed, repaired and reinstated.

The colonnade improvements have been very well received by parishioners and visitors alike.

PHASE II: NEW TOILET FACILITIES AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE EAST CORRIDOR

Cost of work: £60,000

The second phase of our church restoration programme was to upgrade the toilet facilities and develop part of the East Corridor as a parish facility. This work has now been completed.

This was quite intricate work involving demolition, excavation of drains, plumbing and re-wiring in a very confined space. We are very pleased with the outcome which will be particularly appreciated when there are special events in the church such as choral concerts involving large attendances.

The existing toilet and storage area were demolished. Where there was previously a single toilet there is now a fully equipped disabled facility. In addition there are two standard toilets. All three units are equipped with wash basins and water heaters. There are also two baby-changing units.

A new cleaning bay has been installed complete with sink, broom cupboard and storage for cleaning materials. Other storage facilities have been created by maximising the use of available space.

The section of the East corridor leading to the sacristy has been re-plastered, damp-proofed, insulated and storage heating installed. Shelving has been fitted and the floor has been carpeted. This area will be used as a parish library and also as a play for small children. New doors were fitted in the corridor to section off this area.

PHASE III: CHURCH INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR

Cost of work: £400,000

The third phase of our church restoration programme was to clean and paint the interior of the church, clean the stone work and also put in new lighting, heating and sound system and other necessary work. Much of this work has been completed but is still ongoing.

The programme of works in this phase was as follows:

This phase was the major part of the church restoration. For five months there was scaffolding inside the church and while renovation works were in progress, week day masses were held in the Founders Room. A tremendous thanks is due to the many volunteers who cleaned the church every Friday during the so that Mass could be celebrated on Sundays.

Future work planned includes the renovation of the pews, new carpeting and the decoration of the sacristy and east corridor, refurbishment of the Stations of the Cross and restoration of art works. At a later stage it is hoped to return the Lady Chapel to its original condition by removing all the paint from the stonework. This will be a very expensive task and may not be possible for some years.

The parish team and finance council gratefully acknowledge the support and generosity of so many people who have made this renovation programme possible.

Renovated Pieta and Arches

Pictures of Renovation Work in Progress

HOW YOU CAN HELP

As a parish community we are deeply grateful to everyone who contributes to the Restoration Trust, whether in the regular church collections or by donation. We wish to remind all taxpayers of the importance of Gift Aid which increases your contribution by 25% at no cost to your self.