St Wilfrid's Church, Metheringham Summer 2011

Quinquennial Inspection

Churches have to be inspected every five years, and St Wilfrid's survey took place in March and the report has just been received. It was carried out by David Glew of Glew + Smith, from Lincoln, who has been surveying the church since 1984. Overall the church received a clean bill of health (relatively speaking). People will remember the recent outbreak of dry rot which was repaired in 2009/2010. Before that, rusting ironwork had been removed from the four sides of the tower battlements, and the stonework rebuilt.
This time some DIY items were listed for volunteers to undertake. Then repairs to stonework, repointing, rainwater goods and roof repairs, were listed for the most urgent attention. After that, plaster, glazing and metalwork require action. In due course, redecorations, and joinery items need attention. Finally, speculation on future improvements included improved lighting, replacing the north nave gutter, the clock, redecorations, and some new joinery work.

Glew + Smith are very experienced church architects and surveyors, who also carry out domestic work, surveys for house buyers, reports on defects, etc.

On receipt of the report. although a mention was made that we received a clean bill of work (relatively speaking), estimates of work required in the next few years could total over £20,000 to keep the building up to the required standard.

Over the last few months we have had increasing trouble around the church and if anyone does see anything suspicious they should contact the police who are aware of our problems.

Richard Brewin