Perched high above the narrow lane that runs through the small village of Avon Dassett, St John the Baptist Church has been in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust after being declared redundant by the Church Commissioners May 11th 1983.
A survey undertaken by steeple jacks had shown serious erosion of the spire stonework with particular problems around the quattrefoil bands.
Weldon Stone Enterprises were awarded the contract and complex scaffolding was erected with a ring of seven beams around the top of the tower in order to keep the weight off the roof.
A carefully planned phase of stone replacement and repair took place that involved replacement of the majority of the spire quattrefoils. To ensure the long term stability of the structure, the tower was pointed and grouted.
The contract was completed over a 12 month programme and within budget.
Employer: The Churches Conservation Trust
Architect: Nick Cox of Nick Cox Architects
Contractor: Weldon Stone Enterprises Limited