Upper Puckering Parish Prepares
for MilestoneWork at the Upper Puckering Parish Church has reached a fever
pitch as masons, carpenters, lead workers and stained glass specialists find the first
anniversary of the restoration of the 701-year-old structure drawing near. The project,
initially scheduled to last for three years, suffered a serious blow last summer when a
powerful storm destroyed the church steeple. A number of generous donors, combined with a
successful, albeit controversial, fundraising scheme based around beer sales, have kept
the project on course.
Chester Vyse, building inspector for Upper and Lower Puckering and a specialist in
historic construction techniques, remains optimistic after a year of hard work.
"We’re seeing marvelous progress. It’s quite inspiring to watch centuries
of deterioration and grime wiped away. Each day at the church is a new adventure. And the
best thing is, it’s all real. We’re not playing fancy games with history here;
we’re gently caring for it."
The Reverend Nigel Banks also feels blessed by the success of the project to date.
"We’ve truly made the restoration a village event," says Banks. "Some
people have participated directly as craftsmen and consultants of course. Others have
treated themselves to a fascinating lecture series with talks by noted specialists in
misericords, masonry and timber framing. Still others have supported the project by
tipping back an extra pint at the Idiot, knowing the proceeds help move us forward. I
truly thank each person for his or her support."
