Mexborough & Swinton Times — Saturday, 21 March 1914
Conisboro’ Church
Restoration Scheme Approved
New Peal of Bells
At a meeting of churchpeople of Conisboro’ on Monday evening, it was definitely decided to proceed with the scheme for the restoration and improvement of St. Peter’s Church.
The meeting, which was called at the instance of the Vicar (Rev. W. A. Strawbridge), and the churchwardens, Mrs. G. T. Nicholson and Mr. W. H. Jones, was only moderately attended.
The Vicar presided, and it was explained that the scheme would involve the following: General Fabric.—To include a careful restoration or renewal of all lead, wood and stone work; erection of new vestries at the N.E. corner of the Church; removal of the modern stucco from interior and exterior walls, with suitable pointing of the original stones; lowering of seat floors in nave and aisles by 6 inches, and the substitution of wood blocks for the intermediate rough stone passages; removal of certain front seats in nave and aisles to the space now used as a vestry, with additional seats placed elsewhere; insertion of two windows in the Chancel for better light and ventilation; improved heating and lighting arrangements throughout; extension of choir boys’ seats, and lowering of adjacent chancel floor; removal of the pulpit slightly to the south; new Communion rails and re-table at east end; alteration of access to cellar and increased fuel storage; inspection and repair of entire drainage system; wire protection for tower belfry windows, and snow boards for roof gutters; application of flint or some other preservation to all decaying stone-work; renewal of kneelers, rug-seating, and church books; erection of an oak screen between tower and nave.
Bells and Clock.—To include repairs to clock and outside dials; the substitution of a peal of 8 bells for the present 3 ill-tuned bells, which are badly hung and in a dangerous condition for ringing purposes.
Organ.—To include four new stops, including 16ft. open diapason to pedal, new pedal board, improved composition pedals, new case and raising of front pipes above the side-chancel arch, a thorough cleaning and renovating of the present instrument, re-voicing of reed-stops, and all necessary repairs.
Sundries.—Including architect’s fees and Diocesan faculty expenses.
Three Years’ Scheme
The Vicar mentioned that they had reached the end of three years’ scheme. At first there was a certain amount of opposition to some parts of the scheme, but the faculty was obtained and they proceeded to obtain tenders from selected firms. The estimated cost of the original scheme was £1,250, but the amended estimate was £2,754, and there was now an apparent liability of £404. The amount of the amended estimate was made up of: Fabric—Contractor, heating, roof, architect, £2,100; supplementary items: eight bells, repair of organ and clock, etc., £654. The amount in the Sheffield Bank was £2,080 15s. 6d., in the Penny Bank £35, promises to come in £90 9s. 6d., bank interest on current deposits £50 for this year, in the new Church Hall reserve fund £53 6s. Mrs. Nicholson had promised another £100. The Vicar now appealed for free-will offerings and a jumble sale will be held in the spring and various other means of obtaining the balance.
Referring to the proposed peal of bells the Vicar said they were a very important feature of the scheme, and it needed to be considered very carefully. The cost of eight bells would be £485 15s., as mentioned by Messrs. Taylor, of Loughborough.
Trust to Providence
Mr. Jones said he thought they were practically settled on the first part of the scheme. In reference to the second part, he had always been in favour of a peal of eight bells. If they were going in for a change they ought certainly to have a proper peal and complete the job. He thought that part of the scheme had appealed to the inhabitants of Conisboro’ more than the other part, and he hoped it would be carried into effect. (Hear, hear.)
Upon discussion being invited, Mr. W. W. Norwood said all church-goers would like to hear a good peal of bells. He should go in for the whole scheme and trust to providence. He proposed the eight bells to be provided.
Mr. J. M. Heys seconded, and the resolution was carried.
The Vicar mentioned that they had had some help from Nonconformists of the village who loved the church, and he hoped they would again help them in this particular difficulty. He added that the work of the church restoration would begin immediately after Easter, and be completed in six months.
A resolution approving of the scheme was carried.
It was decided to hold a Castle Fete in support of the funds some time during the month of June.
The tenders have been let as follows:—Fabric, Messrs. Chadwick and Co., Rotherham, £1,875; peal of eight bells, Messrs. J. Taylor and Co., Loughborough, £465 15s.; chiming apparatus extra, £50; church clock repairs and dial re-gilding, Messrs. Potts and Co., Leeds, £17; organ repairs and additions, including new front case, Mr. J. Keates, Sheffield, £105 10s. The lighting and heating tenders are not yet decided.