Site

The series of storms we were subjected to in February caused further damage to the stone tracery in the East Window. We are currently getting cost proposals to safely remove what remains of the stone mullions. This will require the erection of a scaffold and attendance from building contractor and a specialist stonemason to undertake this work. The falling masonry also caused some minor damage to the iron cross suspended above the Mundy grave adjacent to the East Wall of the church.

We are looking into potentially upgrading the pedestrian footpath which runs along the field in front of the church. This was installed as part of the emergency work at the start of Phase 1 but a number of comments regarding its suitability have been received. Other than this, there has been relatively little action on site recently as the design team have been concentrating their efforts into preparing detailed designs and drawings for the reinstatement works.

Phase 2- Reinstatement of the Building Envelope

The architects and engineers have now completed the designs for the Phase 2 reinstatement of the church. The reinstatement has been spilt into two phases. The first of these (Phase 2) involves the repairs to heavily damaged stonework to the interior of the church and the replacement of the roofs. These proposals have now been submitted to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) for approval and we hope to have a decision before the end of May 2022. Meanwhile, we have also been engaging potential contractors in a pre-qualification exercise. Out of an original list of 15 potential contractors, at total of 6 contractors deemed to have the suitable experience and capacity to undertake the reinstatement work, have made it onto the tender list. We are currently compiling all the design information and documentation to send to the contractors to allow them to submit tenders. The tender process will take approx. 6 weeks with a further 3 weeks required to review the submissions before successful contractor is chosen. Providing the Faculty application submitted to the DAC is successful, we will be looking to appoint the contractor and make a start on site in late summer 2022.

Remaining Monuments

We are in discussions with accredited Conservator- Restorer Dr David Carrington from Skillington Workshop to determine the potential for restoring some of the exceptional monuments that were sadly damaged in the fire. From David’s initial inspections, he is hopeful that some of these monuments including the vestry door canopy and some parts of the reredos can be restored. Other items will require more detailed inspections before conclusions can be drawn. We are hoping to appoint David to undertake the next round of detailed inspections necessary to allow the monuments recommended for workshop inspection/restoration, to be dismantled and removed from site.

Phase 3 Internal Fit Out

Phase 3 of the project will involve the reinstatement and reordering of the interior of the church. The PCC are keen to demonstrate their commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in line with the Church of England’s Net Zero Carbon target. Therefore, low carbon heating options are being explored and, if confirmed, these will be incorporated into the new interior of All Saints Church during Phase 3 of the project.

To get Phase 3 underway, the PCC are commencing a comprehensive consultation exercise within the parish. They are keen to gain thoughts of the local population on the future of the church in terms of how it could best serve the community into the future. This will involve a mailed questionnaire, setting up a web page dedicated to seeking the needs of the community and a series of events and activities to be held within the parish. The feedback received from this process will inform the brief for Phase 3 and will ultimately determine the most appropriate spatial arrange of the church interior to meet the needs of the community . Please keep a look out for announcements from the PCC for news on the events that are being planned.

http://www.klmm-parishes.org.uk/churches/mackworth

https://www.facebook.com/All.Saints.Mackworth/

https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/13377/

Kind regards

Gawaine

Gawaine Dawes BEng (Hons) MSc CEng MIStructE  -  Thomasons