| A
unique opportunity exists
to help restore the original
15th century Tower Steps,
by sponsoring one or more
individual steps.
Each benefactor, by
supporting this vital
restoration, will be
recognised in perpetuity
by having a name to
be remembered, engraved
into the face of the
sponsored step.
The work will be undertaken
in three phases. Phase
1 is the restoration
of the flight from
ground level to the
bellringing chamber,
a total of 23 steps.
This phase is now fully
subscribed and work
is in progress. This
entails cutting back
the risers and new
facing stone inserted
with the name of the
donor engraved on its
face. The original
wooden treads, now
in a poor and dangerous
condition will be replaced
by stone.
Phase 2, from the
bellringing chamber
to the clock room and
Phase 3, clock room
to roof will be similarly
tackled; target date
for completion of the
whole project is 31
st December 2000.
The restoration of
the Tower Steps is
an ambitious, costly
but essential project
to undertake. It has
been necessary to increase
the price to £350
per step in order to
fully cover the costs
of the stonemason's
work.
It is a tribute to
the skills of the original
craftsmen that the
steps have endured
the daily tread of
feet for nearly 500
years. Benefactors
will know that their
generosity will guarantee
another 500 years of
constant wear by bellringers,
clock winders and visitors.
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Benefactors
of the Tower Steps Appeal
will automatically become
Life Members of The Friends
of Dedham Parish Church
. Appeal funds will be
held in a designated trust
account for the benefit
of the Tower Steps Project,
and regular updates will
be sent to members with
details of progress of
the appeal, commencement
of work, progress reports
of the restoration and
the details of inauguration
of the new steps.
Finally, benefactor's
names will be inscribed
on a wall mounted plaque
hung in the body of
the church in recognition
of their generosity
in the restoration
of this historic building.
If you would like
further information,
please contact the
Parish Office on
01206
322136 or write
to:
The Treasurer
Parish Office
The Vicarage
High Street
Dedham
Colchester
Essex
CO7 6DE
Please note that if
you pay UK tax then
a donation made under
the Gift Aid Scheme
will substantially
enhance your contribution
by allowing us to claim
back basic rate income
tax, without any additional
cost to yourself.
An application form
is available here for
you to print out.
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