Magdala Church Tower

Magdala, your friendly church tower, here, hoping we are closer to the end of the latest lockdown. Recent months have been unprecedented and my hope is for everyone to be safe and well.

At the time of writing work had started on St Michael and All Angels. I thought it might be helpful to feedback how the works have progressed.

With thanks to the Church Commissioners work on the chancel has been completed. This includes a new roof, repairs to the east wall and window.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) project is now well under way. You will have seen the scaffolding shrouding the church in readiness for the repairs on the tower with the addition of the new broach. The broach will protect the tower by directing rainfall away from the walls of the building.

One thousand tiles have been replaced on the nave roof, which was a few more than we were expecting but again you can see the difference already in the work undertaken. Repairs on the west wall have begun with the lime mortaring being refreshed and replacement of stone where required. The west nave flooring has partly been taken up ready to re-route the heating pipework.

In the background the glass vestibule for the west door is under manufacture, as is the English oak cabinet for the housing of the electrical equipment. This will involve lowering the existing electrical cables/fixtures to make them accessible and safe. Arrangements are in hand to relocate the incoming electrical overhead cabling to beneath ground level. The stonemason has been appointed to begin work on the tower corbel table.

As you can see there is lots going on. Our friends Midland Conservation are doing sterling work in making sure I will be here for future generations. My heritage is being protected and thanks to my supporters from Stoke Prior and farther afield it is in good hands.

Many thanks for everyone’s hard work and support. It is so appreciated. Sending you all best wishes, stay safe.

The Friends of Stoke Prior are running the annual

GRAND EASTER RAFFLE to WIN a CASH PRIZE, A LUXURY HAMPER, FINE WINE and

much more! Other events are provisionally planned for when we are able to meet safely. Raffle tickets cost £2 each and can be purchased from Cathy Stokes on 01527 577069 or email: castokes15@hotmail.com. Arrangements will then be made for payment and obtaining tickets.

by Cathy Stokes, chair of the Friends of Stoke Prior Steering Group