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A Faculty already exists for the repair of all the internal plaster and redecoration of the interior of the building. A very rough guide to cost is £23,000. This is our next major project.
At the same time it would be
prudent to alter and update the lighting inside the main body of the Church, so
that visitors have proper illumination of what is currently rather a gloomy and
dark interior. At present at certain times of day, especially in winter,
it is too dark even to read the Guide Book. We need to provide a
combination of switches and sensors so that the interior can be fully lit when
visitors are present.
Cost approx £7,000.
1.
PRIORITY A – WITHIN 12 MONTHS of August 2003
1.1 Repairs and improvements to lead flashings as a result by squirrel activity.
1.2 Adjustments to netting to eaves (Porch).
1.3 Overhaul all tiled roof slopes and replace cracked and missing tiles. Done
1.4 Additional rainwater pipe south side of Chancel and new drainage connection. Done
1.5 Fill holes in external walls above Window 2 and above Window 5. Done
1.6 Repair and restoration to the external fabric of the Tower. Done
1.7 Repointing west wall, South Aisle. Done
1.8
Window 7, seal open joint in sill. Done
1.9
Window 12, remake reveals to window.
1.10 Provide support by way of rope handrail to Tower stairs. Done
1.11 Give protection to inside face of west window within bell ringing chamber. Probably not necessary now
1.12 Handrail to the stairs leading to the ringing chamber.
1.13
Lightning conductor/strike assessment risk and test. In hand
1.14
Clean internal windows of mildew. (Specialist
clean).
2.
PRIORITY B – WITHIN 12 TO 24 MONTHS of August 2003
2.1
Clean moss from roof slopes.
2.2 Remake tile listing between Porch roof and north wall of Church.
2.3 Replace UPVC gutters and rainwater pipes.
2.4 Redecorate external rainwater goods, including remaking seals between joints.
2.5
Repointing east wall of Nave. Part in hand
2.6 Repointing east wall of Chancel, high level. Done
2.7 Window 10, attention to stonework joint and glazing repair.
2.8 Redecorate paintwork to west door.
2.9 Redecorate paintwork with steel, within Tower.
3.
PRIORITY C – WITHIN QUINQUENNIUM i.e. by August 2008
3.1
Replace UPVC gutters and rainwater pipes in cast iron. As 2.3 above
3.2 Window 1, replace eroded stone sill.
3.3 Refurbish commandment boards on either side of Tower arch.
3.4 Attend to corroding memorial fixings.
3.5 Repairs to boundary fences.
3.6 Rebuild table tombs and stabilise gravestones.
4.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
4.1
Ensure general maintenance with the clearing of all rainwater gutters and
rainwater pipes to ensure adequate drainage.
4.2 Clear all channel gutters.
4.3 Ensure ventilation of building with the regular opening of windows.
There has also been on occasion a request for toilet facilities in or adjacent to the Church building. It has been suggested they might be placed at the west end of the south aisle, or possibly as an extension there. The cost is likely to be of the order of £70,000 (subject to persuading all the amenity groups that this would be acceptable!).
5 Chiddingly Church is Listed Grade I because of its stone tower and spire - one of only 3 remaining in Sussex, so besides a place of worship and a focal point of the community it is also an important historical building.
6 The church tower was struck by lightning on November 22nd 1996; as a result major repairs were done to the tower and electrical system which were both badly affected. The church clock also required complete refurbishment. Virtually all this work was covered by insurance.
Recent work to the church:
Complete restoration of our Jefferay Monument 1996 £42,000
New bell frame; restoration and augmentation of ring of bells; Ringing in the Millennium 1998 £78,000
New electric heaters in nave of church 1999 £6,500
Water collection devices to collect water penetrating tower 2001 £4,365
5-year maintenance of Jefferay Monument and associated decoration of surrounding area 2001 £3,000 approx
Closure of eaves and roof repair 2000/2001 £2,100 approx
Tombstone repairs 2002 £1,000
Glass screen put in place between nave and ringing chamber 2003 £15,000 approx
Re-laying the brick path around the west side of the Church 2003 £11,000 approx
Restoration of the tower and spire (currently in hand) 2004 £115,000
References
Church architect: Peter Pritchett JP, DipArch, RIBA John D Clarke &
Partners,
2 West Terrace, EASTBOURNE BN21 4QX
Tel: 01323 411506 Fax: 01323 410064
English Heritage architect: Zoe
McMillan BSc DipBldgCons(RICS) IHBC FRICS
Historic Buildings Surveyor, English Heritage, Eastgate Court, 195 - 205 High
St.,
GUILDFORD GU1 3EH
Tel: 01483 252036
Rector:
Rev P Hodgins, The Rectory, East Hoathly, LEWES BN8 6EG
Access to the Church
The Church is usually open to visitors every day of the year during daylight
hours.
There is a church Guide Book on sale within the Church, for £1.