THERE was the chance to find out more about Bromsgrove’s St John’s Church Spire Project earlier today, including the opportunity to have a go at some traditional trades.
A Cake and Coffee concert was held at the historic church this morning with The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and then the church opened its doors for everyone to have a journey of discovery.
Jo Slade and Sheila Vincent with some of the lovely homemade cakes on offer. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
As well as being able to meet the Spire Project team, there was a demonstration by Ian Ceney in Engineer’s Corner where people could see why the spire has lasted for 500 years, thanks to using counterbalance weights.
There was also the opportunity to have a go at lime pointing which secures the stones in place.
Stonemason Ben Curry with Paddy Blacker who had a go at some pointing. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
In Stonemason’s Corner with Lewis Allard and Michael Curry, people could learn about the materials and stone used in the project and have a go at carving a piece of sandstone.
Richard Chapman has a go at some banker masonry. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
Visitors were also able to engage with architect Stephen Oliver and study the technical drawings to understand what has been happening on the spire and the plans to fully restore it.
And there was the chance to chat with historian Simon Henderson and hunt the vicar’s keys, view photos of the church’s pair of peregrine falcons taken by a local enthusiast and talk to the team about how the cash was raised and is being spent.
Michael Curry told the Standard: “It’s great to see people getting involved and taking a real interest.
“The lime pointing and masonry activities give a real insight into what is happening and what will be going on in the next five or six weeks.”
And he said many of the processes being used at St John’s had not changed much over the years.
“Stone was always sawn by hand and some of it is done by machine but most of the tasks, including the shaping of the spire will be done as it has been for the past 300 to 400 years.”
What is the project?
The work is being carried out on the historic spire. Picture by Tristan Harris. Copyright Bullivant Media Group Ltd.
The Spire Appeal Project is funded and supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Churches Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Rotary Club of Bromsgrove, the Bromsgrove Society, the Bromsgrove Institute Trust, Bromsgrove Court Leet and generously supported by many individuals.
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Another open day, with a Cake and Coffee Concert is set to be held at St John’s Church on July 12.
