Historic church can begin vital repairs (From Swindon Advertiser)

Historic church can begin vital repairs

10:20pm Wednesday 1st February 2012 in News By Matthew Edwards

AN HISTORIC church is on the road to recovery thanks to generous donations from its parishioners.

St Mary’s Church, in Lydiard Tregoze, launched an appeal last year to carry out work on its chapel and replace water damaged goods, repair windows, and clean and conserve its unique wall paintings.

English Heritage awarded a grant to the Grade I listed building, set in the grounds of Lydiard Park, to undertake the high level and emergency repair works.

The church has now received tenders and with the money raised to date, only a further £5,000 is required to complete the first phase of the conservation project.

Rev Clive Deverell, team minister for St Mary’s, said: “I want to say a huge thank you to all who have given to our appeal so far.

“For a community like St Mary’s, finding £1m to restore the church is more than putting a man on the moon.

“I think we can achieve it. It is a local and a national treasure.”

A host of dignitaries, including the Mayor and Mayoress of Swindon, the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, John Bush, and Swindon MP Robert Buckland have been involved with the fundraising effort.

Mr Buckland said: “I am delighted the first stage has been reached.

“There is more work to do of course, but it is clear St Mary’s is not only important to us in Swindon, but is of significance to our national heritage.”

The works will start in the spring and should be be completed by the end of May in time for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

The second phase of the project ,which will focus on the major refurbishment of the building and conservation of the historic monuments and other artefacts will start to be planned later this year. An application to the Heritage Lottery Fund will be made at the end of 2012.

The church predicts this will cost up to £750,000.