28
A Building Survey was undertaken at St. Thomas of Hereford RC Church, Weobley in September 2022. A number of areas of building maintenance were identified that needed to be addressed to ensure the continuing soundness of the property.
A sub-committee of the PPC was set up to project manage the work, led by Frank McNally and supported by Joanna Helme and Kerry Poole.
St. Thomas of Hereford RC Church, Weobley – Repairs and Redecoration 2023
The Church interior will be refurbished in due course, and the colour scheme for walls and ceiling, drapes, kneelers and carpets, etc., are being prepared for Parishioners’ approval. Following that approval, we will seek the necessary Listed Building consent from the Historic Churches Committee, Cardiff Diocese, before requesting a quotation for the work, which is unlikely to proceed before 2024.
Meanwhile, several safety concerns were recognised in the building and following the recent construction and electrical surveys, which recommended internal and external repairs, redecoration and maintenance of the Church and sacristy, a considerable amount of work has been taking place:
- The balcony balustrade has increased in height (we wouldn’t want choristers to plummet onto the congregation!). The steps between the nave and sacristy have been replaced by a safe flight, which now complies with current safety rules.
- The sacristy, flower room and kitchen have been redecorated.
- The gutters and downpipes have been repaired, cleaned and redecorated as appropriate. Gaps in the brickwork and pointing to walls and chimneys have been repaired. Cracks in the external brickwork have been repaired. Missing and slipped roof slates replaced. Slipped voussoirs to brick arches repositioned and repointed. Rotten window woodwork repaired, replaced and redecorated. Inadequate lead flashings repaired and replaced. External doors sanded and painted or oiled as appropriate.
- The electrical distribution board and light switching have been upgraded. The outside light has been renewed.
- The loft insulation to Fr. Simon’s apartment has been supplemented and now meets with current requirements.
- A working microphone has been fitted to the lectern.
- A supplementary microphone has been fitted to the ‘Zoom’ iPad to improve the sound quality for the ‘Zooming’ congregation.
All these works should keep St. Thomas of Hereford Church in a good state of repair and use for the next few decades.
Parish Building and Maintenance Report 2024
Building & Maintenance Annual PPC Report – 2025