restoration-blog

John and the Nice Marathon - Nov 2nd 2024

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 13:40:59 +0100

Rev’d John & Nice Marathon 2024

Rev’d John ran the Nice-Cannes Marathon on Sunday 3 November. He ran the 26.2 miles under cloudless skies with 17K other runners. There were plenty of hydration stations, but these marathons don’t get any easier for John! Yet the exhilaration and achievement when the medal is hung around the neck never diminishes!

John ran the marathon as a fund-raiser for the Restoration works we are planning to re-commence early in 2025. If you would like to support just go the https://justgiving.com/crowdfunding/revdjohnmarathon

Or you can e-mail us at the church e-mail address to find alternative ways of amkin g your donation stmatthewsnetleymarsh@gmail.com

John’s 2 minute marathon story can be found below:

https://youtu.be/UH6xSq2OOEk?si=mz_lFj_Woo4nYFgO

Restoration Blog Update - June 1 2024

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 20:24:28 +0100

We have now had a visit from the structural engineer who has provided us with a structural design for the renovation of the chancel floor. With this we can approach construction companies for quotations to carry out the work.

With regard to the lifting and reinstatement of the encaustic tiles, choir pews, altar rail, stone blocks and pulpit we have received a quotation to carry out this work. This quotation has been forwarded to the DAC and has received approval. Before commencing the work we need to provide a method statement as to how the tiles will be lifted and the reinstatement of the subfloor and tiles. This has been requested from the relevant company and will then be forwarded to the DAC.

The issue of tree root incursion into the nave floor is also being handled and a suitable contractor selected to dig the trench alongside the east wall of the building where the tree roots will be treated to prevent this problem arising again.

Restoration Blog Update - April 27 2024

Sat, 27 Apr 2024 20:49:52 +0100

BLOG FOR CHURCH RENOVATION

You may all be aware of the major renovation work that is being carried out in St Matthews Church.

The original work was planned for the main church floor and our fundraising efforts over the past 9 years were allocated to this. Unfortunately, after construction work started, it was found that the chancel floor was in a very poor state and started to collapse once excavation work reached the front of the church.

The chancel floor is suffering from collapse over the crypt archways and the ingress of tree roots.

As an interim measure, the concrete base for the main floor has been poured and set but our efforts must now be concentrated on repairing the chancel floor before completing the main floor works.

We need to overcome several hurdles for this. Firstly all work needs to be approved by the Diocese Advisory Committee. We have had two visits by the DAC and they have given their agreement with certain stipulations.

Secondly, the chancel floor needs to be preserved in its original design and layout. The floor consists of Victorian encaustic tiles which will need to be lifted and then replaced once the main construction work is done.

Thirdly, the chancel also has several stone blocks, including the pulpit, which will need moving and relaying. Allied to this is the movement of the choir stalls, altar rail and altar.

An added complication is the church organ which is very delicate. We may get away with not having to move it but that will need to be confirmed.

All our fundraising efforts must now be directed to the chancel floor. So, how will we achieve this?

• Our Reverend John Reeve has run the Valencia marathon to raise funds and will be doing the Nice marathon

• We are holding fundraising activities such as fayres, cake sales, jumble sales

• We are holding social events in the church hall. First one is an American Supper on May 18th with a 10 piece band The Soul Catchers. Bring your own food and drink, £10/ticket. Email suestmatthews@gmail.com

• We have been in contact with the local media. John did an interview on 21st April with Radio Solent, BBC South News Website has a feature on our renovation, Southampton Echo ran a large article on April 23rd and The New Milton Advertiser and Lymington Times will be running an article

• We now have a Justgiving page. Go to www.justgiving.com and type in ST MATTHEWS CHURCH NETLEY MARSH

We will be running regular updates on the renovation. Keep checking our website.

We can only return St Matthews to its rightful condition with help from YOU, our local community.

Please help us by donating, attending our fayres and fetes and also any of the social evenings we are planning.

We look forward to working with you.

Restoration Project update - April 20 2024

Sun, 21 Apr 2024 22:38:40 +0100

Restoration Update

Many of you will be aware that little work has been carried out recently. There are two reasons for this. As planned, the void below the nave was filled with hardcore and then concrete laid. Nothing else could be done until the concrete had set firmly.

The original plan was to complete the work in the nave and deal with the chancel later. However, the second reason for the delay was that the excavations up to the boundary of the chancel revealed a retaining brick wall in rather poor condition and tree roots penetrating through towards the nave. These roots come from trees on the east side of the church building. As those who have taken communion will be aware there was evidence of subsidence, especially in the chancel area close to the altar rail. It became clear that this area had to be dealt with now, rather than delay as originally planned.

Talks have been held with the DAC (Diocesan Advisory Committee), various experts and structural engineers as the best way to proceed. The DAC has to approve the action to betaken to start the work in this area. The choir stalls and pulpit will need to be removed, and then the tiles carefully lifted and removed to expose the area underneath. The tiles are of considerable importance in returning the chancel to, as close as possible, the original state. It is important that the patterned tiles are rescued with as little damage as possible, as these would be very difficult to replace. Suitable tiles can be sourced to replace any plain tiles that are damaged in the process. Once all the tiles have been lifted the next stage of work can be assessed and agreed following discussions with the DAC, church architect and structural engineer. At this stage it is uncertain whether the organ will need to be removed.

Quotes are also being obtained for the complete redecoration of the church, which ideally should be completed before the pews are returned.

Melvyn Bradshaw (Church Warden)