Fort Grey scaffolding to be removed as work finishes
ROCQUAINE Bay residents will have an early Christmas present this year, as Fort Grey is unwrapped from its long-standing scaffolding.
The early nineteenth century Martello Tower, nicknamed the Cup and Saucer, has been repointed in stages over the last three years.
Historic sites curator Helen Glencross said the States had recently confirmed with stonemasons Smith and Wilson that the scaffolding would come down in the next few weeks.
‘It’s been a major piece of repointing work but it’s work that will last for decades now,’ she said.
‘The scaffolding has hidden parts of the fort for years but it’s been necessary. It’s vital conservation work and it has to be done in a safe and considered way.’
The work has been one of two major recent projects on Guernsey’s historic sites, along with the reroofing of the married quarters at Castle Cornet.
With the fort, the castle and the German Naval Signal Headquarters at St Jacques all now closed until 6 April, attention has now turned to more routine maintenance, of which there is a backlog caused by Covid restrictions.
Efforts are being made to complete the Castle Cornet work first, including a reconfiguration of the shop, because the site’s diary is being kept clear from January to March in order to accommodate filming for a feature-length screen production of Toilers of the Sea.
Other work will include maintenance at the Rousse and Petit Bot loophole towers in order to get them ready to reopen in the summer.
The Guernsey Museum and Art Gallery remains open until the end of the year.
Current exhibitions include Heroes of the Viking World and a multimedia display of work by artist Monika Drabot. The museum will close from 1 – 27 January inclusive.
Among the exhibitions lined up for next year are the Natural History Museum Wildlife Photographer of the Year and also Brick City, which will feature the work of Lego artist Warren Elsmore, who has used the play bricks to recreate iconic buildings from cities around the world.
