The Problem

We can no longer patch up problems with short term solutions.  Long term, permanent structural solutions are now urgently needed

Structural problems in the Church are causing major safety issue which need addressing as soon as possible. These include:

1. The structural integrity of the tower

The tower has a number of significant structural issues that need to be resolved. Firstly there is a significant structural crack running the whole length of the tower that needs to be stabilised. The render to the building has significantly eroded and the flint structure of the tower is being weathered,  presenting a masonry hazard, and has longer term structural implications.

The timbers that support the roof, the bell chamber and clock chamber are rotten and need replacing.  The lead roof has lost its ductility and is no longer weather tight.  In addition, no-one can currently go up onto the tower roof and flags cannot be flown due to the lack of safe access and the effect of wind loading on the structure of the rotten roof.  If the structural issues are not addressed, the tower will become so dangerous, that parishioners will not be able to come into the church or visit the graves in the churchyard.

The main causes of problems in the tower are:

• rising damp at the base of the tower at the west end of the Nave
• a structural crack in the external stonework, flaking and peeling masonry, and exposing the flint work
• roof timbers with severe rot
• a fungal attack in the wood timbers and stonework of the bell chamber tower
• the 18^th century lead roof is brittle and leaking
• the wood floor has rotted
• the stained glass windows installed in 1880 became brittle and fell out and have had to be replaced.  The remaining windows in the church are in a similar state.

2. Internal decorations

The paintwork and plaster inside the church is in a very bad state of repair.  It is damp, dirty and flaking off the walls.  The church was last painted in the 1960s when commercial emulsion was used to decorate the church. Whilst at the time this was considered the best solution, it has been subsequently been identified as unsuitable for a church of this age and has contributed to the damp problems that the church currently has.

3. Rewiring and heating system

The current radiant heating system has reached the end of its life, and is showing signs of deterioration, presenting a fire risk to the church.

4. Clock

A clock has been present in the church since Tudor Times with the existing one being installed in 1880.  The clock has not been working since 1960. The Hampstead Norreys Parish Plan Heritage Group has raised £4,200 of the £8,000 needed to restore and overhaul the clock and get it back into working order. The Heritage Group of The Hampstead Norreys Parish Plan are now seeking funding for the remainding £3,800.

5. Kitchen area

The church is used for many church social events but with no running water or any kitchen area, the serving of refreshments is difficult and un-hygienic.

6. The Gallery

The rail is currently too low and is a safety hazard under current safety legislation, with no means of escape from the gallery if there is a fire.

A major restoration project to preserve this important historic monument and focal point of the local community

Phase 1 - which is planned to commence in 2010, will be the structural works to the tower.

THE TOWER - £176,000         

New lead roof and timber repairs including strengthening of floors.  £40,000

External stonework repairs and repointing flintwork and stone wall faces £95,000

Repairs to the bells and bell frame £26,000

Scaffolding and temporary roof for 16 weeks £15,000

Upgrade potentially dangerous electrics including improving the heating to the Chancel £5,000 

Installation of a safety rail along the upper gallery at the front and a glass barrier at the back £20,000