ROPE access specialists Arthur Needham and Phil Scorer from VitrIvius Building Conservation started work on tower repairs at Crediton Parish Church on Monday, March 20.

Bill Jerman, on behalf of the Church, told the “Courier”: “These repairs were revealed when the clock dials were taken down for repainting and gilding on October 21 last year.

“The repairs involve the removal of corroding ironwork, replacement and re-pointing of some stone work, the building of a brick pier in the north side tower opening and investigative work of a north side tower wall bulge.

“Once these repairs are completed the clock dials will be able to be returned to the tower.

“The clock dials were repainted and gilded well before Christmas and are currently being stored by the Cumbria Clock Company until the tower repairs have been completed. It is anticipated the repairs will take around three weeks but this is very much subject to weather.”

Bill explained that the church is grateful to the Friends of Crediton Church, Crediton Dairy, Devon County Council Investing in Devon Grant (Nick Way), two significant individual donations and a number of smaller contributions for largely funding the work to the clock dials.

He adds that a small funding gap of £427 remains, so if anyone would like to make a contribution they can still do so by contacting Bill Jerman on 01363 772865.  

It is planned to have both clock dials on display in the church at ground level for one day only in the near future so anyone interested can go along to take the once in a generation opportunity to see them close up. 

Alan Quick