 |
All
the old and dangerous electrical wiring and installations were removed.
New power circuits were installed to provide all possible
requirements for all imaginable activities, especially music.
|
| New
lighting was installed which has greatly enhanced St. Mary’s and increased
the lighting levels to improve matters for the visually impaired.
|
| The
old oil-fuelled heating boiler was replaced by a much more efficient
gas-condensing boiler.
Much high-level pipework was replaced by low-level piping to improve
visual aesthetics and conserve heat.
|
| A
disabled toilet was installed in the tower.
|
| The
tower arch was screened in with oak and glass to provide privacy and a
vestry.
|
| A
kitchen range was installed in the south aisle.
This should encourage more activity groups and wider social amenity.
|
| The
bell frame was strengthened and stabilised.
The bells and clock were renovated, repaired and restored.
|
| The
roof was repaired at the junction of the tower with the nave, making it
water tight. |
For
a detailed narrative of how the work was carried out click here.
The
excavations in the tower to provide the toilet led to the discovery of the
remains of an Anglo Saxon Church under the Norman walls (see picture to right).
The remains have been well documented by Dr. David Andrews before
building work continued.
This confirms the long-held belief that there was a Church in North
Stifford before the Norman Conquest (we are in the Domesday Book) – Christians
have worshipped here for more than a thousand years.
This
project would not have been completed were it not for the grants that were
received from Cleanaway Mardyke Trust, Wren and the Friends of Essex Churches.
We are extremely grateful for all their help and support in seeing the first
half of this project to completion.
It could not have been managed without the support from them and all the
other organisations that contributed, albeit to a lesser extent, but nonetheless
important for their encouragement.
There
is more still to be done and our efforts are continuing.
The Friends of St. Mary’s will welcome any offers of help to the
project. Membership
is £10 per person, £15 per family or £100 for life membership.
Personal help with committee or fund raising activities will also be
gratefully received. Please contact Jill Rogers 01375 373345.
We are grateful for the support of the following organisations:
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