We need your help to rebuild the top 2.25 metre section of the spire at the Grade I listed St John’s church in Bromsgrove. It's the tallest spire in Worcestershire!
In 2017, cracks appeared in the stonework at the top - they have been caused by the rusting and expansion of the iron rod that runs through it. It's been there since the 1850's when the Victorian's carried out repairs to the building, and now it's our turn to update it (although it will look the same from the outside when it's done!)
If you look up at the spire you'll see the emergency repairs at the very top almost 200ft up - 8 steel bars hold the cracking section together to ensure they are secure and safe, but the full repairs are really urgent.
Not only is the safety of the structure an issue, but the church bells can only be rung for 15 minutes at a time and can not be rung at all in high winds.
Running alongside the building work, Friends will be organising a number of events and activities focused on Heritage Engagement and Enhanced Learning. We will be reaching out to the community with ways to learn about the history of the church and its people and to offer a chance to understand the heritage craft skills used at the building.
Our “Side by Side” days with the stonemason, will be open to all - come along and enjoy time working alongside a skilled professional to learn more about the heritage crafts which built our ancient building and gain hands on experience to help our Spire Appeal project.
We are also working on new visual and digital interpretation panels both in the building and in the churchyard. And we plan to re-build the top part of the spire which has to be taken down, in the churchyard, as a point of heritage interest and learning, and also to prevent waste and unnecessary use of energy if it had to be disposed of otherwise.
At the beginning of 2024 the Friends were thrilled to received a National Lottery Heritage Fund award of £249,975 towards the whole project. We need a total of £360,000 plus VAT to complete the project, which needs to take place in 2024. Read all about it in The Bromsgrove Standard.
Can you help? Friends would love to have your support, and for you to join us on the journey to repair the spire at Bromsgrove's much loved ancient, landmark building.
Get in touch via email hello@stjohnsfriends.co.uk we would love to hear from you.
Thank you for your support!
* Charities pay a small fee for our service. Find out how much it is and what we do for it.
