WORK on the much-anticipated restoration work to the spire at Bromsgrove’s St John’s Church has got under way.
The works mark the start of the Spire Appeal Project, made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It is aimed at preserving the heritage and architectural grandeur of this historic landmark for generations to come.
Extensive repairs will be undertaken to the spire top with 2.5m of the structure being taken down and rebuilt with new stonework.
The encased iron vane rod with stainless steel will be replaced and, whilst scaffolding is in place on the 198ft structure, there will be the chance to carry out any needed stone replacements and joint repointing.
Once the scaffolding is taken down, the removed spire apex will be rebuilt in the churchyard’s memorial garden as part of the legacy.
Funds raised
Last year, the Friends of St John’s team raised an impressive £386,000 in pledged grants and donations from local and national sources. This included a generous £249,975 grant from the NLHF, thanks to National Lottery players.
This important award of significant funds kickstarted applications to other grant-making organisations.
Other grants came from Bromsgrove Rotary, Bromsgrove Society, Bromsgrove Court Leet and Bromsgrove Institute Trust.
Organised events and donations from individuals boosted the coffers and, at the end of the year, the National Churches Trust and the Wolfson Foundation confirmed support for the project to restore the Grade I listed building.
The Spire Appeal’s project manager Jo Slade said everyone was incredibly grateful for the support.
“The spire at St John’s Church is a central part of Bromsgrove’s heritage and a beloved landmark.
“This restoration will not only preserve its physical beauty but will also contribute to the historical richness of our town.
“The essential preservation work, which will keep St John’s at the heart of the community, has only been possible thanks to the generosity of so many.”
Robyn Llewellyn, the NLHF’s director, England, Midlands and East, congratulated the Spire Appeal team on its fundraising efforts, adding it showed how important the church was to the town and its people.
“Investing in the rich heritage of places of worship means investing in the community they belong to, so it’s great that our funding, made possible thanks to National Lottery players, will help restore this important Bromsgrove landmark.”
Timeline
The project started with the scaffolding being built – this will continue until Easter, with some inside the spire to hold the counterweight while the top of the spire is removed.
The rebuilding of the sand stone top section will then take place over a couple of months with the scaffolding scheduled to come down by September.
Project Team
A team of professionals includes Jewellery Quarter-based Oliver Architecture overseeing the project, conservation-accredited structural engineer Ian Ceney of c2designs and contractor Phillips and Curry Ltd which is working with Jarvis Scaffolding and Worcester-based stone masons Lewis Allard and Son.
Impact
The church will be closed in the week during the project but will still host Sunday worship and remain open to visitors for events on Saturdays.
The car park on the east side will be used for the works compound meaning there will be no vehicular access and pedestrian access on Sunday will be via the south porch door (using the perimeter path to cross from the church hall to the lych gate).
Visit: stjohnsfriends.co.uk for more on the Spire Appeal project and how to contribute.
