Church Improvements

Previous Restoration Projects

The PCC has received strong feedback from the congregation on several important issues of church improvement. High on the list are the provision of toilets, better heating and the provision of a coffee servery and cafe area in church. The PCC has recognised the need to address these issues, in the context of the longer term church redevelopment, as part of the MAP (Mission Action Plan) process. The PCC has therefore agreed to allocate funds to commission our architects to produce a plan for the church, which provides the short term needs against a longer term re-ordering and restoration requirement. To deliver these needs will not be cheap and will require detailed consultation with the Diocese, but the PCC are anxious that the congregation are aware that something is being done. Mike Clark Oct 2016.

We Have a Duty of Care

Holy Trinity is a much loved church and, perhaps its most famous admirer was Sir Stanley Spencer seen here, painting his famous picture of Jesus preaching at the Cookham Regatta. (No Health & Safety inspectors in those days!)

The tower not only is a landmark in Cookham, but also houses a peel of ten bells, the oldest of which dates back to 1638. Through the ages these bells have beckoned worshippers, villagers, mourners and wedding guests to enter within Holy Trinity’s hallowed walls.

It is our duty to cherish and care for this beautiful church for those who come after us – as has been done by our forebears for us.

As custodians of this ancient building we have a duty of care. It is our duty to cherish and care for this beautiful church for those who come after us – as has been done by our forebears for us.

Like most ancient buildings Holy Trinity Church suffers from a huge backlog of repair largely derived from well-intentioned but inappropriate repair and maintenance over the years.

Windows Restoration

Work on the second phase of the Holy Trinity Windows Restoration is now complete

All the missing windows, including the large east window, above the altar, have been returned after restoration. The work that went into this project can be illustrated in these “before and after” shots below, showing small sections of the east window, as they were when they were removed and then after painstaking repainting by hand. The work is being carried out in the Birmingham workshops of Nick Bayliss. It is hoped to have at least part of the window back in place for Easter.

Holy Trinity Church, nestling on the banks of the Thames adjacent to Cookham bridge has served the village community for 1000 years. A classic Norman church built on the site of an earlier Saxon church. It is suggested that in the wall behind the altar there still exists some traces of Saxon masonry.

The Restoration Programme (2010-2015)

In 2008, as a result of a quinquennial inspection report (a Diocesan required professional survey of the church building and fabric every five years) Holy Trinity decided to embark on a c. £400,000 church restoration programme. With the benefit of two generous and substantial donations, as well as a series of fund-raising initiatives, we were able to tackle some significant projects.

The majority of this programme is now complete. The main projects comprised:-

         *Cost includes professional fees but excludes VAT

We have been fortunate in being able to reclaim VAT on relevant projects from the local places of worship grant scheme (LPWGS), totalling in excess of £32,000.

The above projects plus a series of minor ones, will absorb the restoration funds raised to date (£440k).

To enable phase 3 of the Windows project (a final 7 windows at an estimated cost of £45,000) to be undertaken, it will be carried forward to the next church restoration programme phase for which funds need to be raised (see below).

The next Restoration Programme – 2016 onwards

 The quinquennial inspection carried out in the latter part of 2013, revealed a further series of required projects that can be summarised as follows:-

Our Conservation Architect, with whom we have a lot of confidence due to his track record and professionalism, judges that once this next restoration programme has been carried out we will probably be in good shape for the next 70 years, subject to a well-planned annual maintenance programme.

 Donations and/or fundraising projects to help the church raise the funds for this final programme would be sincerely appreciated. A donation form is attached.  Bequests relating to any part of this Restoration programme, in memory of a loved one, will be welcome. Any enquiries or queries relating to the programme should be addressed to Mike Clark (mike@tapestryoflife.co.uk) or Chris Harris (chris.harris10@btinternet.com)

November 2014 update