The Church and its Pointy Bit – Update No. 3
Here is your latest update on the spire restoration – where we are and what is planned next. As of Thursday 12th October, and following a site meeting with the main contractors Pinnacle, and Carl the church architect, I am happy to report the following:
The spire part (or pointy bit) has had all the external joints raked out and re-pointed. The tower (or square bit) has had 50% of the joints raked out – this is hoped to be finished next week.
The weathervane refurbishment will be completed next week – once that is done, the top part of the scaffolding may be removed.
Now that they have safe working scaffolding internally, next week they will start raking out the inside of the spire and tower.
External stonework for the tower is on order and will be on site week commencing 23rd October. This will then be fitted in place in the tower as they move down and re-point.
Refurbishment of the clock is planned for 1st – 10th November while scaffolding is in place. This will enable us to restart the clock for the people of Worksop, and become a more visible and audible sign of the life in St John’s.
A further payment has been made, and a revised payment plan incorporating additional work was submitted to the National Heritage Lottery Fund and accepted. This is to match the new end date of the 8th December.
Next major milestones:
- Raking out of mortar inside and outside to finish.
- Weathervane refurbishment to be completed.
- Repointing and installation of blockwork.
- The first of the scaffolding around the spire will be removed, revealing it and the work done to restore it.
Phill Kicks
Church Warden