Stage 1
The Quinquennial Report completed in 2009 has shown that the roof is unsound. The estimated cost of repair is £240,000.
As the church is a Grade 2 Listed Building, it has been given a grant by English Heritage which will cover more than half that amount. The other half must be raised by the parishioners, by grants from other bodies such as The Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust, and by donations.
The start of the work was celebrated with Mass taken by Father Andrew on Sunday September 4th, followed by tea and cakes, and signing of roof timbers.
The major repair work then started on 7th September 2011. The delayed start was so as not to disrupt the colony of swifts which nest within the church roof annually.
Midland Conservation Ltd of Walsall are carrying out the work, which is estimated to be finished by Christmas.
Progress Report…..
from Jason Graham, Director Midland Conservation, mid-October:
“Mother nature has been extremely kind to us and the very mild conditions we have experienced have allowed the lime mortar
re-pointing to progress very well with all elevations nearing completion. Existing stone slates are being removed from the roof which has highlighted the oak rafters to be in a much fairer condition than expected. Carpentry works will commence the first week in November with new roof boards being fixed. This will close the roof area up and allow the internal areas of the church to be cleaned and handed over in readiness for advent”.
Stage 2
We now need to raise £200,000 for Stage 2 (our Church Hall) so we are looking to a wider public to help us raise the money to restore our beautiful and much-loved church and hall.
Ride + Stride:
On 14th September 2013, Tom and Nicola Barry, on a tandem, visited 16 Churches, cycled 27 miles in 3.5 hours and raised over £1000… half of it going to St Joseph’s Church, Carterton.
The hall roof work has now started. Here are some pictures of the preparation:
Click on any picture if you wish to see a larger view of them.
October 2016
I received an email recently from the architects. We do not yet have a start date, but the architect knows that all external work needs to be completed by April 2017 in view of the nesting colony of swifts who return then.
Andrew Foster, Parish Priest, October 2016
Please support this cause by making a donation, large or small, and using the Donation Form.
Please print and complete the form and send it with your cheque or direct debit instructions to:
St Joseph’s Church
Arkell Avenue
Carterton
Oxfordshire OX18 3BS
