In 2022 we started on a project to carry out some much needed refurbishment at Holy Cross to ensure that this beautiful historic building will continue to serve the community of Fryerns and the rest of Basildon for many years into the future.

Phase 1 the outside - now complete !!

Firstly we needed to do some work to maintain the stonework, the guttering and other exterior parts of the building. This is essential to make sure that the building can deal with all the wind, rain and other weather and keep the inside of the building dry. This is specialist work of a building of this age. There are some pictures of the work required here: https://standrewholycross.org/holy-cross-exterior-restoration.

The work was completed in late summer 2022 and cost £37,600. We had been building up funds over the last few years towards this work, and with some support from the listed places of worship scheme, which allowed us to claim back the VAT, the Church Council has agreed to fund this work from the specific fund we have for the restoration work at Holy Cross, and from our more general Buildings Fund. This work did significantly deplete the Buildings Fund.

Phase 2 the inside

Now the exterior of the building is sound again we are focussing on the inside. Because of the issues with damp in the walls and just due to the age of the building there are quite large areas of the lime wash on the interior wall that are flaking away. These require a coat of breathable stabilisation, before reapplying the finish coat of specialised paint suitable for this type of wall construction..

You can see some examples of the areas we’d like to improve here : https://standrewholycross.org/holy-cross-interior-restoration/

At the same time and while suitable scaffolding is in place we want to paint the panels in the ceiling of the nave which are also suffering due to their age.

We have been working with contractors with the appropriate experience and skills to work on an ancient building like Holy Cross, and with our architect to agree the details of the work to be done. The estimates we have received, together with our architect’s professional fees come to about £44,000 including VAT.

We’ve been really encouraged over the last year by the involvement of the community both within and outside the regular congregations of both churches whose fundraising efforts have already raised almost £17,000 towards this work. This is evidence again of how much Holy Cross means so much to so many people. Our fundraising activities will continue in 2024.

We will be able to get some support from the Listed Places of Worship scheme which should cover the VAT charges, and we are seeking other grant funding which we hope will be able to meet the remaining £16,000 or so needed.