Recent Projects and Future Needs
The most visible project financed by the Friends of Deddington Church has been the restoration of the south porch, the church’s main entrance, at a cost of £26,000. Extensive rot had weakened the woodwork supporting the century old roof, many of its Stonesfield slates were damaged beyond repair and work was needed on the walls themselves.
Other urgent work, to be funded by the charity, includes replacing the drainage and soakaway for the south aisle roof and porch, repointing part of the south aisle wall and repairing windows in both the south and north aisles. The Friends will also fund upcoming conservation repairs to the former chimney stack to the vestry.
The charity has also contributed to the extensive work done to improve the churchyards, not least by financing a new storage hut and equipment for the mowing team. With help from members of the British Legion branch and volunteers from the village, they have also made significant renovations to the lower churchyard.
Inevitably this magnificent building in the heart of our community will need constant maintenance. With changes in the climate and recent record rainfall, we anticipate substantial work to improve drainage for the church’s very large roof if we are to prevent significant problems with damp. Other issues needing attention in the next five years include pointing and other repairs, the installation of a sump pump in the boiler room, replacement of the church heating system and, potentially, a solar battery storage system. Further down the list, potential projects include improvements to the path from the north exit and refurbishment of the clock faces and louvres in the bell chamber.
Other urgent work, to be funded by the charity, includes replacing the drainage and soakaway for the south aisle roof and porch, repointing part of the south aisle wall and repairing windows in both the south and north aisles. The Friends will also fund upcoming conservation repairs to the former chimney stack to the vestry.
The charity has also contributed to the extensive work done to improve the churchyards, not least by financing a new storage hut and equipment for the mowing team. With help from members of the British Legion branch and volunteers from the village, they have also made significant renovations to the lower churchyard.
Inevitably this magnificent building in the heart of our community will need constant maintenance. With changes in the climate and recent record rainfall, we anticipate substantial work to improve drainage for the church’s very large roof if we are to prevent significant problems with damp. Other issues needing attention in the next five years include pointing and other repairs, the installation of a sump pump in the boiler room, replacement of the church heating system and, potentially, a solar battery storage system. Further down the list, potential projects include improvements to the path from the north exit and refurbishment of the clock faces and louvres in the bell chamber.