Edlesborough, St Mary the Virgin

Come and see the Progress!

The Churches Conservation Trust invites you to a special Open Day, on Saturday 10th September 2005. You are invited to Edlesborough, St Mary the Virgin, to experience conservation in action. The site will be specially opened to provide access to these unique repairs.

St Mary's is open to visitors from 10am to 4pm providing a unique opportunity to experience an intensive conservation project that would ordinarily be closed to the public. Visitors will be able to observe an active programme of work such as repairs to delicate stone and timber. This is a splendid opportunity to support heritage, conservation, and the work of skilled craftsmen. Conservationists will be on hand to explain the work involved in the project, and hard hats will be provided!

On an isolated chalk hillock with fine views from its churchyard, St Mary's is a distinctive landmark in the vale of Aylesbury. However, the walls are constructed of clunch; a local chalk-based stone, which is extremely vulnerable to decay. Over the past centuries weather, wind, and insensitive Victorian repair programmes have left the stone fragmented and the roof fragile. By joinging us on this Open Day, you are invited to support The Churches Conservation Trust, with Philip Hueghes Associates, Hockley & Dawson, Ward & Co., and Cliveden Conservation, as we undertake to preserve this landmark for the future. This event is free and open to the public, however RSVP is requested for large groups.

The Church Conservation Trust cares for and promotes public access to over 330 churches of outstanding historic, architectural or archaeological importance, which are no longer needed for regular worship. Our churches are still consecrated and used occasionally for services and events. More details about the Trust can be found on our website www.visitchurches.org.uk

For more information about the Open Day, please contact Chlo� Cockerill, Field Officer, The Churches Conservation Trust; Tel 01223 290439