RESTORATION of windows at St Nicholas Church in Alcester is progressing well – but cash is still needed to complete the work.
The project, which will eventually see all the outer surrounds of the church’s ten decorative windows replaced, began last autumn when the current stonework was analysed and found to be a patchwork of history – with medieval wall alongside Victorian brickwork and other layered repairs.
This collage-effect meant the stone could not be simply repaired as first thought but had to be replaced at a cost of £270,000.
Stonemasons have fitted new frames for four of the five south-facing windows and all arch kits have been delivered, with the first surround ready for final pointing.
Behind the old jamb of the second window a tiny piece of red-painted stone was revealed. Predating the 1730s rebuild, it further convinced some the medieval church of St Nicholas was brightly coloured with biblical stories as visual aids on its walls.
The south-face work is expected to be finished by Easter, when the scaffolding will be removed to reveal the five new stone surrounds along the nave.
The restoration fund is still short of about £55,000 needed for the similar north-face work and contributions are welcomed.
Several donors have already ‘bought a stone’ as a legacy for future generations.
For more information about the restoration project and fund-raising, call restoration chairman Michael Newey on 01789 762579.
