Work has been continuing on the tower repairs.  The restorers were awaiting stone to be delivered which meant there has been a delay in the work being completed until the end of March.

We currently have two Faculty applications lodged with the Diocesan Advisory Committee – one for new porch doors which would help to draught proof the church, as well as giving a more welcoming entrance to our visitors, and the second is to approve a damp proofing solution around the inside of the base of the tower.  This should sort out the problem of damp in that area and also provide a finish which would enhance the tower and give us a notice/display board.  The Committee are due to meet in March and if the Faculties are granted, we can then go out to get a pricing for each piece of work.

The paintings restoration is due to start in the Summer so we would hope to achieve the above work by then in order to cut down on the dust which will inevitably be around.

So, even though visually there is not much happening, there is a great deal of work going on in the background.  Indeed, our Activities Co-ordinator – Elaine Daly – has organised several  very successful open days and school visits already for visitors to talk to the stone masons and look around our new Pavilion.

The Pavilion has already been a great asset to Stowey Church – providing an accessible toilet and kitchen facilities.  We couldn’t be more pleased with the building.  All planning permission conditions have been discharged!  This was a lot of work for everyone concerned but at last the building is now completely operational and free from any constraints.

Our funding target is still around £20,000 short and we have exhausted our list of potential grant providers, so if you have any advice on fundraising activities or would like to hold an event on our behalf, please get in touch with us.  We would be extremely grateful.  Also Elaine is still looking for groups who would like to hold talks or small events,  or would just like to visit the church and churchyard to see what has been happening over the last few months, please get in touch if this would interest you.