St Giles' Project - April 2009

Have you been wondering what has been happening in St Giles during the last few months?

Our builders - Farnrise Construction - have settled down to the contract work both inside and outside the church.

There is scaffolding in the nave and part of the north aisle, and work has begun on the timber in the roof.

It has been cleaned very carefully and a special wood preservative is being applied.

The pews and other items in the church are covered to protect them.


The internal doors have been removed temporarily so that the floor can be sloped in the porch and levelled in the church.

The pew platforms will be repaired where needed and pews cleaned and restored as appropriate.

Wiring is being done and the boiler and heaters replaced.


Here we see Archdeacon Julian Henderson and members of the team considering the location of a screen for AV presentations.

The timber on the right is protecting the font and its cover.

We also invited Ruth Walker, the secretary of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, to visit us in March. She was very encouraging and supportive of the work being done and will be invited to the service of thanksgiving later in the year.

In the clergy vestry the toilet has been removed and the door replaced in its new location. The doorway into the vestry is being widened to allow access for all.

If you have anything you wish to talk about with regard to this project then do please feel free to contact us.

Our aim is to build our community at St Giles and to work together for the glory of God.

Be assured that we have heard and responded to the many and varied views which have been expressed. We are certain that everyone will be delighted with the results when the church re-opens.

Members of the ten o’clock congregation taking part in a family service in the sixth form centre at City of London Freemen’s School.

Photos taken during a recent team visit to consider paint colours and assess progress.

What happens next?

We are working together with the builders and other tradesmen to get the job completed as soon as possible. This involves a great deal of co-ordination and co-operation between the various people. Martin Hiley is project Managing on a day to day basis.

Bruce Tucker is working with Martin and keeping an excellent photographic record. David Jewel as our architect is administering the contract. The steering group are meeting regularly both in the church to make decisions, and for a monthly progress update.

There will be much to be done in cleaning and finishing off at the end of the contract, and the steering group are discussing ways of making the church ready for use again when the workmen have finished. Services continue in the hall and at CLFS and the CLTs are planning their return to the church. We are considering ways of celebrating the event and would welcome ideas on the subject.

Please watch out for requests of help for the return process and see if you can assist us. For example the brass cleaners and flower arrangers will need to bring their skills at the appropriate time.

Meanwhile please continue to pray for everyone involved in the project and for safety for everyone on site. In the June newsletter we hope to be able to give you a definite date for return to the church.

Jane Hiley, 30/03/2009