Stonework Project To Start At Christ Church

Dramatic facelift for iconic Chiswick landmark on Turnham Green

One of Chiswick's most iconic landmarks is about to receive a dramatic facelift. In the next few weeks scaffolding will envelop Christ Church for a major project to refurbish, repair and clean the complete stonework of the exterior. This will last approximately 6 months.

The church was built in 1841 and has never received any substantial repair work. The original detailing of the Gilbert Scott architecture is beginning to be lost. Decades of London smog and acid rain have taken their toll and damaged the soft cream Bath stone and the blue-black knapped flint. Pieces of stonework are literally falling from the building, damp is beginning to penetrate the interior.

The plan is to refurbish sympathetically and carefully: the Church’s surveyors and architects have consulted with English Heritage. The plan also includes the repainting, gilding and restoration of the church clock with its four clock faces situated on the spire. The present grey, galvanised steel window grilles will be replaced with modern and less obtrusive alternatives.

It is hoped that the cleaned and restored building will substantially improve the overall appearance of Chiswick and the Turnham Green area. There should now be no need for any major repair for another century.

Fundraising has taken 18 months and the church has raised approximately £200,000. It is anticipated that the full cost of the project will be in the region of £300,000. The Church Parochial Council has decided that the work is so urgent that it should be started this year and as soon as possible. The final stage of fundraising is about to take place with an appeal to the households of the parish and to local businesses. Christ Church has received a grant from Viridor Credits (landfill charity) of £10,000 and from Garfield Weston foundation of £15,000 and the Church is prepared to borrow, if necessary, to bridge the funding gap. However it is hoped that the local community will be generous and donate the necessary funds. The estate agent “haus” is participating and advising. There will be a programme of fundraising activities including a Church Chiswick Quiz; a summer concert, an autumn fair and an art exhibition: "Images of Chiswick".

Christ Church has always tried to be at the heart of the community helping the people of Chiswick. The church currently supports a number of local groups each with very different needs. From January to March shelter, food and support is given for some 50 homeless men; throughout the year playgroups are organised to bring together often isolated parents and carers. There are after-school and evening groups for older children and teenagers. During the school holidays affordable additional facilities are run for children's activities and holiday clubs. The church also provides a full range of Christian services with a young and active congregation and has an open door policy.

The church in the last 10 years has modernised its interior, installed a new roof and this exterior stonework project is the last phase. The church is looking for individuals or companies who might like to sponsor a part of the restoration work: for example the clock faces, the spire, or even a single stone: every little helps in a project of this size.

Full details can be found on the Christ Church website at www.cctg.co.uk. with a " Just Giving" link. Leaflets including gift aid forms can be collected from Christ Church, or alternatively a fundraising team or the Vicar, Richard Moy, would be happy to discuss any individual ideas or sponsorship scheme or individual opportunities. (Church telephone number: 0208 995 7381 and e-mail: office@cctg.co.uk.

June 11, 2013