The church of St Mary & St Peter in Pett has been closed for the past few months. Recently it opened its doors for an afternoon to explain why and how more work is needed.
Soft drinks and cakes were provided and the afternoon raised about £250, although it was an informative exercise rather than a fundraiser.
When the church was repaired many years ago an incorrect specification of plaster was used. Over the years this has allowed rain to seep into the walls, especially around the west window and the nave, which has led to flaking and peeling of paint and general deterioration.
The cost of repair work was quoted as £34,000 – plus 20% VAT as the church is not listed – totalling £40,000. Most funders will only give grants to listed churches. The Parochial Church Council had some reserves and after an appeal last year when locals gave generously, together with a couple of small grants from funders and the diocese, the money was raised, although reserves would be reduced considerably.
Since May, the builders have removed all the plaster on the west window wall and a large part of the nave. The new plaster must be applied in three stages, with weeks in between to allow each coat to dry out. The walls will then be repainted. Re-pinning repairs around the window have also been carried out. It is also planned to replace the 40-year-old lighting in the nave and chancel with LED lights to be compliant with CofE regulations and to be more environmentally friendly and easier to maintain. This will happen once the painting has been completed.
Unfortunately, while this work was being carried out it was discovered that the party wall abutting the tower was exceptionally wet and rain damaged, which has caused deterioration of wood joists above the door and in the tower and spire, affecting the two floors in the spire. It is extremely dangerous to access the tower and spire so the clock cannot be maintained. An unplanned £3,000 was spent removing pigeon guano from that area so that a full structural engineer’s report could be carried out – at further cost.
This discovery was a big blow to the Parochial Church Council. An estimate of £50,000 (plus VAT) has been given to carry out the newly discovered problems
The PCC has yet to decide what to do next but is most anxious to get the current repairs finished and the church open again for worship. If anyone can help with fundraising or would like to contribute in any way please contact Heather Godwin, treasurer, pettchurchestreasurer@gmail.com 07977 100 296.
Image Credits: KT Bruce , Kt Bruce , Kt bruce .