During the summer work has been carried out on out historic tower. The lime mortar round the base of the tower had been in a very poor state but with the aid of a small grant we were able to employ carringtonLIME to take out the old mortar and repoint it with new. The string course was also repaired. We are delighted with the result, which not only makes the stonework look much better, but also provides a much more effective seal against weather and encroaching water. During the project we were able to involve our local church school who enjoyed creating a time capsule to carefully position in one of the crevices in the stonework, which was then filled with the new lime mortar. The children enjoyed thinking hard about what mementos would reflect life in 2025; nothing very large as the crevice was so small! They were able to try their hand at creating a piece of pargetting, one of which went into the tin. They helped Ben from carringtonLime put the container in place.
Westbury Church will be open for visitors over the two Heritage weekends. Our trusty team of volunteers will be holding tower tours on September 13th, 14th and 20th, 21st. Our historic tower is only open a few days each year and this is a chance to see a unique and quite remarkable structure. You will be able to listen to an informed talk about the history of the building and visit the upper chamber so that you can view the complex array of timbers which have held the building in place for about 800 years. There is no charge for the guided talk, although you will be invited to donate something to help with the upkeep of the building.After your visit to the tower, you could have a walk round the National Trust Westbury Court Garden next door, before returning to the church to refresh yourself with a drink and a slice of delicious homemade cake, made by our very experienced bakers. There will also be a cakes for sale and a plant stall.
There will not be a Family Service in August as Sarah is away in Uganda. She is looking forward to being back with us in September when she will tell us about her adventure, living and working in a hostel for unmarried mothers.Our best wishes have gone with her, along with some fund raising money and a huge number of knitted squares. We hope to see you all at the next Family Service, on September 21st, 10am.
Friday, 6th February, 7pm for 7.30 start. Bingo Cards £2 each. A prize for the winning card.Raffle, free nibbles on the table.Tea, coffee and cake to buy (or bring your own drink).Please call Jo on 07946664514 to reserve a place.In aid of the Westbury Church New Electrical Wiring Appeal.