Issue 48 AUG 25 web - Flipbook - Page 40
St Mary’s Wymeswold Embark on
Restoration and Heritage Project
St Mary’s Church in Wymeswold has been awarded a grant of £227,314 by the National Lottery
Heritage Fund (NLHF) to fund repairs to its nave roof and support a community heritage project
that will welcome more people into the church and celebrate the village’s ‘faith history’.
The church and community have high aspirations for the
project. Elizabeth Tingle, a member of the project team
and St Mary’s PCC, says: “We want to put the church
more firmly on the heritage map and to increase its use
by the local community.”
A community-wide project and ecumenical effort, the bid
was prepared in partnership with the Wolds Historical
Organisation, the Wymeswold Church Appeal Fund, and
Wymeswold Methodist Church.
The project has been named, ‘Preserving A.W Pugin’s
Church: St Mary’s Wymeswold Roof Repairs & Community Heritage Stories’, referencing the famous architect,
A.W Pugin, who restored the medieval church in 184446 under Revd Henry Alford (who later became Dean of
Canterbury Cathedral).
Their first goal is to secure the good condition of the
grade 1 listed church building, as an important historic
monument.
“The church lies at the visual heart of the village and is a
statement in stone of the community’s faith heritage,” says
Elizabeth.
In 2022, dry rot was discovered in the nave roof and
eradicated. A year later, more dry rot was found, and it
was clear the whole nave needed restoration.
They also want to open the church more regularly, stewarded by volunteers, to welcome visitors and local people.
As part of this, they are preparing displays and guides for
adults and children to encourage them to explore St
Mary’s.
The church has now commissioned Ackroyd
Construction of Nottingham to carry out the work, under
the supervision of architect, Mark Stewart.
General Construction and Electrical Contractors providing quality service.
Ackroyd Electrical Services Limited was started in 1989 by Mick Ackroyd carrying out electrical installations in commercial
and industrial properties. The company later expanded into construction and now uses the trading name Ackroyd Construction.
During the 1990s they worked on listed and historic buildings as electrical sub contractors and their reputation developed based
upon trust worthiness, attention to detail and excellence. From working on listed buildings and Mick Ackroyd’s interest in historic
buildings, the company began restoration projects as main contractor. Ackroyd Construction’s first project was a 14th Century
Grade II listed timber framed building, involving widespread underpinning and structural repairs.
Perfection is our standard when working on historic buildings.
Our clients include:- Church of England, English heritage, Parish Councils, Councils and Private Individuals
We also undertake construction, maintenance, electrical and general work
Proud to have worked on Wymeswold Church
Ackroyd Electrical Services Ltd
3 Gladstone Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG7 6GA
Tel: 0115 9420 575 - Wewbsite: www.ackroydconstruction.com
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Conservation & Heritage Journal
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