Restoration of All Saints' Mackworth - Update - 10th October 2021

2021_10_11_10582_Mackworth_Core_Sampling.pdf Download

<span style="font-size: 1rem;">Progress</span>

Sandberg were on site from the 5<sup>th</sup> to the 8<sup>th</sup> October carrying out the core sampling to the stonework. The coring went as well as could be expected and samples were retrieved from all 22 locations.

The quality and condition of the samples varied considerably. Some cores were retrieved intact with very little damage apparent, whilst others were clearly affected by cracking damage and could not be retrieved as a core.

In some of the samples, the first 30-40mm of the core was retrieved separately from the main core indicating that the fire had caused a crack at this depth even though the face of the stone may have appeared reasonably intact. We are now awaiting feedback from Sandberg following laboratory testing.

We have uploaded a PDF file containing some photographs showing the coring process underway and a selection of cores and core holes.

Buttress Architects were also on site on 8<sup>th</sup> October. They carried detailed visual inspections of the <span style="font-size: 1rem;">stonework to help inform the options appraisal due to be presented at the consultation meeting in </span><span style="font-size: 1rem;">November.</span>

We have instructed Buildzone to provide a new external 110v supply and sump pump to the basement below the vestry. We are awaiting further costs and clarifications regarding repowering the pump to the foul water pumping chamber.

Hirst have now provided an updated report and recommendations regarding the remaining fixed monuments and artefacts. Buttress expressed concern at leaving some of the more exposed items unprotected for much longer if there is an intention to restore them. Buttress will forward some comments on this to help to inform any decisions that are made.

Gawaine Dawes BEng (Hons) MSc CEng MIStructE

Senior Structural Engineer