The problems date back to the 1930s when – we believe partly for cosmetic reasons – the old-style render on the outside of the tower was replaced with hard modern cement.

Unfortunately, 20th century cement does not allow for the passage of moisture into the air. Therefore, the interior of the walls have become steadily wetter - this 20th century cement is impermeable. The soil under the tower is wet – there is of course no modern damp course in this historic Norman structure – which means the fabric of the tower has become increasingly saturated by the ground water which is then trapped in the structure by the cement render.

To make matters worse, the upper section of the tower was largely rebuilt in brick following a serious fire in the 17th century. The surfaces of these bricks have deteriorated in places resulting in the cement render becoming detached from the structure. Cracks in the render, in part due to blast damage from a wartime bomb, and winter frosts have also compounded the problem.

Our architect and English Heritage have advised that the only long-term solution is for the cement render to be removed from the tower and for it to be re-rendered with a traditional lime mortar. This will not only allow the structure to breathe and for moisture to evaporate into the air, but also provide protection and a finish more in keeping with the historic structure of the church.

We believe that in the longer term the use of traditional lime mortar will also give a more attractive finish to the tower and replicate what would have been there originally. It will be similar to the render on the recent extension. In addition to renewing the render, there is a need for some remedial work to some of the first floor timbers and those at the base of the spire.

We will also be carrying out some high-level repairs to the west wall of the south aisle, and filling in the old underground coal hole in order to stabilise the ground. The 1960s boiler room attached to the tower will also be removed and the area landscaped. Whilst work is being undertaken to the tower we hope to renovate the historic 17th century wooden west porch.

All this needs money! Fortunately, English Heritage has agreed to help by providing a grant of around £69,000 towards the necessary work. The parish is able to commit a roughly similar amount from its reserves but we still need a further amount of some £70,000 to enable us to meet the total costs – expected to be something over £200,000.