Restoring the walls of St Mary’s Church
For centuries, St Mary’s Church in Aldworth has stood at the heart of village life. It is a place of prayer, celebration, remembrance, music and reflection. As a Grade I listed building it is not only our parish church but also a historic treasure that each generation cares for on behalf of the next.
This spring we are undertaking an important restoration project to repair and preserve the internal walls of the church.
St. Mary’s will be inaccessible to the public from 8th April to 2nd May
Why the Work is Needed
Over time moisture has found its way into parts of the walls, particularly the west wall (at the back of the church). This has gradually caused deterioration in the internal plaster and rendering.
Although we have worked hard to care for other parts of the church and churchyard in recent years, the damage to this wall has now reached a point where it needs proper restoration.
The underlying cause of the water ingress has already been addressed, but the internal wall structure and plasterwork now need careful repair.
If left untreated the moisture damage could eventually lead to more serious structural problems and far greater costs in the future.
By carrying out this work now we will be able to
protect the historic fabric of the building
prevent long term structural damage
restore the beauty of the interior
ensure the church remains welcoming for worship, visitors, concerts and village events
What Work Will Be Done
Following professional inspection by our church architect and gathering the necessary permissions from the Church of England, the following work will take place:
Removal of damaged plaster
The affected plaster and render on the west wall will be carefully removed so that the stonework behind it can dry properly.
Traditional lime re-rendering
Once the wall has dried, the contractors will apply traditional lime render. This is the appropriate material for historic buildings because it allows the wall to breathe and moisture to escape naturally.
Careful layering and curing
Lime rendering is a traditional craft that requires several coats to be applied gradually. Each layer must cure properly before the next is added, which is why the work takes several weeks to complete.
Replastering and decoration
The final stage will involve replastering and redecorating the wall so that the interior of the church is restored to its familiar appearance.
Timeline of the Works
8 April to 2 May
The church building will be inaccessible while the existing plaster is removed and the initial repair work takes place with the use of internal scaffolding towers.
During these weeks Sunday services will be held in the Village Hall.
From Sunday 3 May
The church will reopen for worship and visitors, although contractors will still be on site while the lime rendering continues.
May into early June
The final stages of restoration and decoration will take place.
The project will be fully completed in time for our first wedding of the year on 20 June.
Cost of the Project
The total cost of the work is expected to be approximately
£40,000 plus VAT
The Parochial Church Council has already committed £15,000 from church reserves, and we are actively applying for grants from charitable trusts and heritage organisations.
However we are also inviting support from the wider community to help complete the funding needed.
How You Can Help
If you value St Mary’s Church and would like to help preserve it for future generations we would be deeply grateful for any financial support.
Every gift, large or small, makes a real difference.
Donate Online
The easiest way to give is through the Parish Giving Scheme
https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/aldworth-st-mary-rg8-9sb
Bank Transfer
Name: PCC of St Mary’s Church
Sort code: 40 38 04
Account number: 94444779
Cheque
Payable to PCC of St Mary’s Church
Cheques can be given to our Treasurer
Peter Buckley
The Old Vicarage
Aldworth
Gift Aid
If you are a UK taxpayer your donation can go even further through Gift Aid. This allows us to claim an additional 25 percent at no extra cost to you.
Gift Aid forms are available from the Treasurer or from the Vicar.
Caring for Our Church Together
St Mary’s has served the village of Aldworth for centuries. It is a place where people gather in joy and sorrow, in celebration and prayer.
This restoration project is part of the ongoing responsibility of caring for a building that belongs not only to us but also to those who will come after us.
Thank you for your encouragement, prayers and generosity as we undertake this work together.
Revd Grant
Vicar of St Mary’s Aldworth