The whole tower had to be repointed using traditional hot lime mortar to cure spreading damp and to help keep the ancient building dry. The expense was huge, more than a tiny congregation like ours could raise so a huge "Thank you" to The National Churches Trust and the Diocese of Carlisle's Minor Repairs and Improvements Grant Fund who generously awarded us grants to help us afford the work.

Thank you to Lewis Austwick of Austwick Lime Plastering who carried out the painstaking work. Lewis has experiencce of historical building projects including the restoration and maintaining Grade I and II Listed Buildings.

Just before the scaffolding came down we had to touch up the painted rainwater down pipes so, armed with the appropriate paint two of us dared to clamber up the scaffolding - one octogenarian and one septuagenarian! Job done!