Ministry & Mission - Caring for our Heritage

Church of England buildings are submitted to a five yearly, or Quinquennial Inspection, by an architect who then prepares a detailed report on all aspects of the condition of the building's fabric and contents. Typically, parishes address the issues raised in such a report in order of priority, and in proportion to the financial resources available at the time.

St Matthew's Church is Listed Grade II*, and as such is worthy of the care, attention and investment that will secure the long-term future of this inheritance for future generations. The Parochial Church Council (PCC) takes seriously its responsibility to maintain and develop our spiritual home.

At St Matthew's, substantial investment has already been made this century to address a backlog of remedial repairs. The intervening years had seen further deterioration and with it a corresponding cost increase. The cost on these works was approximately £246,000, funded by a combination of legacy funds held by St Matthew's Trust, applications to appropriate charitable trusts, as well as heart-warming generosity from parishioners and those living further afield who value the spiritual, cultural and artistic heritage such renewal would help protect and encourage.

During the course of these repairs steeplejacks found a time capsule embedded in the stonework of the spire. Dating back to 1894, this contained a newspaper, coins, and a piece of wood signed by the some of the workmen who built the church. It was decided to create a new capsule and to have added within it a contemporary parish magazine, coinage, and photographs which was reset in the wall of the spire before the scaffolding was taken down.

The PCC is currently considering its response to the most recent Quinquennial Inspection Report of 2023. As ever, there is a list of recommended repairs and improvements categorised in order of priority. These are being grouped into projects of related work, and then put out to tender.

A brief description of some of the items requiring prompt attention:

	The repair and, where necessary, the upgrading of all water goods - downpipes, gutters, and gulleys
	Repair of the lightening conductor
	Overhaul of roofs, including the replacement of broken, slipped, and missing tiles
	Potential reglazing of south transept and north quire windows. (These rattle when the organ is played!)
	Improve security of the basements
	Renewal of certain lead flashing and mortar
	Investigate potential woodworm infestation within the balcony area
	Redecoration of external metal work
	Repair stained-glass to the western window, and east window in Lady Chapel
	Repair and renewal of certain stonework.

The cost of these remedial works will become apparent in due course.

Information Quick Links

Join our Mailing List

To receive our email newsletter regarding the latest news and upcoming events at St Matthew's, kindly provide us with your name and email address below. By opting in and subscribing, you'll stay informed about our community, special services, insightful articles, and other valuable content.

Subscribe

Connect with us

Please show your support by following and subscribing to our church and choir social media channels, where you can find inspiring content, updates on our events and services, live streamed services, and uplifting messages.