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ROOF APPEAL

We are delighted to report that the target for the roof appeal was reached, and all the work satisfactorily completed in time for the opening of the 2019 season.
We would like to thank all the individuals and organisations who donated money and enabled us to achieve this project which ensures that the Heritage Centre is in great condition for the future – and even the bats are happy.

£40,000 ROOF APPEAL
to restore the integrity of the roof structure and
treat the beetle damage to the internal structural beams

THE PROBLEM

Following the recent winter storms, some of the slates that had become dislodged had to be replaced.  The roofer employed to carry out this work discovered that the battens used to attach the slates are completely rotten and need replacement.  There is also a considerable amount of beetle damage and splits and defects in the timbers which need to be addressed.

SLATES

roof repairs

The Stonesfield Slates used on the roof are attached with pegs to wooden battens running the length of the roof. These have now started to rot away and the slates are gradually falling off leaving the fabric of the building exposed to the elements. This means the total removal of all existing slates and the replacement of those considered too fragile or broken.

BEETLE DAMAGE

timber repairs

A considerable amount of beetle damage has occurred, as shown in the above photos. Treatment is required to prevent further structural weakening of the timbers.

STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

Splits and defects in the timbers have been highlighted in the structural engineer’s report and these will require addressing, namely :

•    Repair the split in the truss chord by epoxy resin and stainless steel pins
•    Strap the outer wall plate to the inner wall plate so that the full thickness of the wall is mobilised to resist outward thrust
•    Positively fix the trusses to the wall plate so that the trusses provide restraint to outward movement of the wall 

DRAFT BUDGET £
Strip, dress & re-tile roof 24,500
Redecorate interior 1,500
Bat nest preservation protection 500
Wood treatment 500
Scaffolding  800
Project management [5%] 1,390
Contingency [10%] 2,919
VAT  6,420
TOTAL £38,529

From Our Guest Book

  • "Why haven't we been here earlier? We shall certainly return!"

  • "A fascinating display in a very beautiful setting."

  • "Very good new interactive displays, very comprehensive."

  • "Fantastic, absolutely first class. Most interesting and informative."

  • "A fine chance discovery"

  • "Congratulations to all on this initiative.  So well-organised and user-friendly."

  • "Beautiful restoration, very nicely done! Unexpected hive of information."

  • "Beautiful setting, very peaceful & informative"

  • "A little gem I didn't know existed."

  • "Lovely spot, so grateful this part of the old church was saved."

  • "Excellent to have this centre as a focus for Churchill's history - especially in relation to William Smith."

  • "Great building, well restored. Charming!"

  • "A fascinating visit. William Smith was a wonderful man! "

  • "Such a wonderful enterprise. The locality should be proud of it."

  • "What a lovely treat to stumble upon. Thank you for preserving a part of our Heritage"