The Winspire Project - Preparing For The Next 800 Years
Winspire Aims And Objectives
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The Winspire project aims to improve the fabric of the building by repairing the windows at its west end, and repairing the spire in time for the 800th anniversary of our foundation in 2020.
It also wants to put the church back into the centre of Sandhurst by improving community links and reinforcing its 800 years of service to the area. |
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Fundraising Events
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Our fundraising has included several events in aid of Winspire, including the Christmas Tree Festival which attracted interest from the wider community.
More photos of events can be found here. |
Our Story So Far - June 2018
We met recently with the conservator and our architect to firm up details of restoration of the windows. Hopefully, in July we should be able to come to the PCC with a request for approval of the conservator and permission to go ahead. The updated estimate of cost and the repair of the west windows is approximately £33,000.
Turning our attention to the spire, we decided to look at both the renovation of the tower clock and check the condition of the tower bells. As yet, we have only estimated cost for the clock and clock face renovation, but a close look at the bells by professional bell hangers has revealed that our lovely bells are near the end of their life and need a major overhaul after 140 years of service. A full overhaul of the clock and bells will cost approximately £75,000 - it looks like we have found ourselves a Winspire phase three! Based on updated estimates if we just repaired the spire we need to raise a total of £165,000. If we want to put the spire back into a fully fit state including the bells and the clock, we need to raise approximately £240,000.
It is clear that applying for major grants, such as the Heritage Lottery fund is the only way forward in order to achieve our revised total. If anyone has connections with businesses which may support us or is willing to be involved in helping with the fund-raising process, please do contact me. I must once again thank the brilliant team I work with of John Martin, Cliff Hales, Nicki Ray and Val Goodwin Higson for not having run away screaming at the revised total!
Please also pray for the project and the team. That we will be able to repair St Michaels and use it for God’s greater glory.
Sue Campbell
Turning our attention to the spire, we decided to look at both the renovation of the tower clock and check the condition of the tower bells. As yet, we have only estimated cost for the clock and clock face renovation, but a close look at the bells by professional bell hangers has revealed that our lovely bells are near the end of their life and need a major overhaul after 140 years of service. A full overhaul of the clock and bells will cost approximately £75,000 - it looks like we have found ourselves a Winspire phase three! Based on updated estimates if we just repaired the spire we need to raise a total of £165,000. If we want to put the spire back into a fully fit state including the bells and the clock, we need to raise approximately £240,000.
It is clear that applying for major grants, such as the Heritage Lottery fund is the only way forward in order to achieve our revised total. If anyone has connections with businesses which may support us or is willing to be involved in helping with the fund-raising process, please do contact me. I must once again thank the brilliant team I work with of John Martin, Cliff Hales, Nicki Ray and Val Goodwin Higson for not having run away screaming at the revised total!
Please also pray for the project and the team. That we will be able to repair St Michaels and use it for God’s greater glory.
Sue Campbell
At June 2018 we have raised £72,300 out of a revised target of £240,000.
Helping Us Reach Our Goal
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If you would like to contribute to this important cause then:
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Statement Of Purpose
| winspirestatementofpurpose.pdf |