St John’s Church needs £70k to complete repairs to tower

Plans have been drawn up to tackle the damage, but the church needs to find £70,000 to cover the costs.

The Rev. Matthew Barrett, who is the vicar of St John, said scaffolding was going up because the work needed to be done.

But so far they have managed to raise only £80,000 – from Guernsey Deanery and some donations – to cover the £150,000 project.

Unlike the 10 ancient parish churches, St John’s is not covered by the parish rates, meaning any repair work must be funded by donations.

‘It’s not just about people who come to the church,’ Mr Barrett said. ‘It is a building that is important for many people for many different reasons, so it is important we keep it in good repair.

‘If we leave it longer, it will just get worse, so it is important we do it now.’

That is why work is starting, even though only half the money has been raised.

CCD Architects and C A Duquemin have started on several areas of the tower. This includes replacing the failing lead flat roof, removing non-permeable cement mortar and addressing timber decay on the original beams, as well as renewal or repairs of the clock, flagpole and lightning conductor.

It is hoped that while the work takes place the Covid quarantine restrictions will be eased to allow UK-based clock specialists Smith of Derby to visit and carry out their delicate work.

The church’s problems came to light during a survey in 2019 and the St John’s Heritage Fund was set up to raise £150,000 to pay for the project.

Dating back to 1838, the church, located in Les Amballes, serves a dedicated local community which is pulling together through various fundraising events to get the money required.

It was decided that the restoration of the tower would be addressed now while it is safe – the cost of repairs would increase considerably if it was left.

The issues have arisen over a number of years primarily due to the mortar between the granite stones cracking and water seeping into the tower structure.

This water ingress has caused several of the internal beams to rot and there are internal cracks within the stone and brickwork, which require repair.

The lead roofing within the tower requires replacing, as well as the cracked and rusty flagpole, plus it needs a modern lightning conductor and the weathervane reinstated.

The bell chamber, dating back to 1887, will be fitted with new sound control insulation. During the work the church clock will not chime.

The final phase of the project will be to replaster and redecorate the inside of the porch, which has suffered severely as a result of the damp from above and the use of inappropriate cement plaster.

n To donate, visit www.stjohns.org.gg/donate.