News

After the rendering was removed from the upper part of our tower, it became clear why the render had become so unstable - iron nails had been used to anchor the render to the masonry. Over time, the nails had corroded. When iron corrodes (rusts), it expands, and this has resulted in the render breaking up and separating from the masonry behind it. 

Stainless steel 'spirals' will be used to anchor the new render when it is applied.

But, before that, a much bigger job has to be completed - replacing the damaged stonework. This is probably the most expensive single element of our tower restoration, and will almost certainly be the most striking visual improvement.

The new stonework is now being installed, and to avoid the rapid deterioration suffered by the original stone (Clunch - a relatively cheap, but fragile stone) we are replacing it with Clipsham Stone. Similar in appearance to Clunch (when new at least!), Clipsham is of a higher quality and should last as stone is supposed to.

Below we are delighted to show you some photos of the new stonework which is being skillfuly installed - not easy to see from the ground with the scaffolding shrouded with debris netting.

Utterly gorgeous stonework. Speaks for itself doesn't it?

We continue to remember and to be eternally grateful for all of the funding bodies that have made this possible. Work of this quality comes at enormous cost, but should last for many generations.

We can't wait (though, like you, we'll have to!) to see how amazing the tower looks when fully restored...

Source: Patricia Goulding (Churchwarden)

Date: 9th November 2018

As part of the major restoration that our church tower is currently undergoing, the clock has been removed and taken away to be fully restored.

This will involve not just the bits we will all see (a re-painted and guilded face and hands), but, probably more importantly a full overhaul and restoration of the clock mechanism.

The first job was to remove the face and hands...

Once down onto the scaffolding, the next job was lower it to the ground...

A simple rope and pulley was all that was needed...

The clock face (and hands) safely down to the ground...

Leant against the skip, the clock's face and hands look much bigger than they do in their normal position...

The hands of time in all their faded glory...

Next, the clock mechanism had to be dismantled...

All of the components had to be removed from the 'bird cage' frame...

A complex array of parts were removed, all in need of serious amounts of TLC...

Finally, the 'bird cage' was empty and ready to be lowered...

Unlike the other parts, the bird cage was lowered down through a hatch in the ceiling of the tower...

Safely down to the ground...

Clock parts loaded on a trailer and off to Saffron Walden for restoration...

A lot of work will be needed to restore our clock to full working order...

Source: Patricia Goulding (Churchwarden)

Date: 29th October 2018

After many years of hard work and fund raising, our historic tower restoration is finally under way.

As is usually the case, the project starts with scaffolding to give access, and that is now in place.

PLEASE NOTE: OUR FRONT DOOR IS STILL OPEN - BUSINESS AS USUAL!

Building work is scheduled to commence by the end of September, and will include removal and restoration of the clock and it's bell, together with extensive re-modelling of the main entrance.

None of this would have been possible without the generous support of:

• Heritage Lottery Fund
• Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Historic Churches Trust
• Francis Coales Charitable Foundation
• Gale Family Charity Trust
• The Steel Charitable Trust
• And, of course, the residents and businesses of Shefford

A BIG "thank you" is also due to everyone who has been involved in planning, applying for grants and simply daring to dream that such an ambitious project could be achieved.

Date: Monday 3rd September 2018

Source: Webteam

Saturday 8th September saw Frank Bond and Stephen Lines setting out on an ambitious sponsored Teddy Bear Push in aid of the annual Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust 'Bike & Hike' fundraising event.

The Trust has been a generous supporter of both the re-roofing and the tower restoration here at St Michael's, so we are delighted to continue our support for them, both by direct fund raising ,and by being open to offer a warm welcome to support the many other fund raisers who enjoy this annual event.

The boys visited a total of 16 churches on their 16 mile trek:

• Shefford
• Campton
• Upper Gravenhurst
• Lower Gravenhurst
• Shillington
• Meppershall
• Lower Stondon
• Henlow
• Clifton

Sponsors have been generous as always - early indications are that we will exceed our previous record of £300!

Date: 8th September 2018

Source: Webteam

St Michael and All Angel Church Awarded National Lottery Support to repair building and involve community in heritage activities

St Michaels Church Shefford has received a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant of £219,400 to repair the church tower, to make it safe and structurally sound, and deliver activities for local people and visitors to learn about and celebrate Shefford’s heritage.

Thanks to National Lottery players, the 14^th century building will benefit from improved energy-efficient lighting and a more welcoming and accessible entrance area, with the existing heavy wooden doors to be replaced with wider glass doors.

As well as offering worship throughout the week, the church acts as a community hub.  Standing at the heart of the town, it is well-placed to involve the community in heritage activities and share the story of the building through a new guide book and walking tours.

Local school students will be involved in recording oral histories of people’s memories of Shefford, and creatively interpreting the history of the church through decorated ceramic tiles.

The church and its tower are cherished by the community as the oldest preserved building in the town and St Michael’s is deeply grateful for the generous support of local schools, businesses and other organisations which are supporting the project through volunteering and financial contributions; the total cost is £306,250.

More information about the project and its supporters is displayed in church.

Commenting on the award, Pat Goulding, Church Warden, said: “We’re delighted to have received this support; the restoration would have been impossible without this grant. We look forward to seeing the tower restored, and to recording and sharing Shefford’s heritage with local people and visitors”.

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East of England said, “This wonderful project is a great illustration of how lottery players' money is helping to bring together heritage and communities. The project will help protect a very special building and now even more people will get to share the beautiful space and its stories.”

Source: Patricia Goulding; Churchwarden

Date: 16th July 2018