Priory Renovation Progress Report

Update on the Renovation Work by Bro. Dowson

Old broken window sills removed and new ones installed.

This week we have continued apace, removing all the crumbling old sandstone window ledges at the rear of the house and replacing them with new sills and making good the surrounding stonework. Working with stone buildings is a challenge and far more difficult than working with brick but it is important to preserve the original integrity of this very old structure and as the stones came from the 12^th century local Abbey every stone must be saved and re-used.

Demolition has started in earnest.

We have also demolished three internal ‘lathe and plaster’ dividing wall upstairs between the bedrooms. This produced a huge pile of old timbers and plaster debris. We had hoped to reuse the old timber framing, but we could see some serious evidence of woodworm therefore we decided to burn the lot of it just in case.

Top rear windows go in.

Two of the three new triple glazed windows have now been installed all with full opening capability that can serve as emergency exits should a fire break out. Some would say this is unnecessary, but I believe the safety of our brethren must come first. So while a bit more expensive these features reassure me so I paid for these myself lest my obsession with safety costs the members more money.

Walls upstairs have been prepped for the insertion of the other Steel beams but we need to wait until next week to fit as we are reliant on some big volunteer men to give us a hand moving them upstairs. 

MORE STEEL SUPPORT BEAMS GETTING READY FOR INSTALLATION.

We have cut out the stone wall recesses to fit the beam into, on top of concrete padstones to support the new third floor rooms. By next week we should have these installed, Deus Vult, and then we can start on the other beams to be installed. By the time we finish we will have installed nearly a dozen steel beams throughout the house.

WE ARE GOD’S SOLDIERS AND BUILDERS.

Three weeks in and we are making steady progress. However, we must not become complacent as there is just so much to do and it all costs money, so please consider continuing supporting this work until we finish this Holy task.

Every day we uncover some hidden costs; this week we had to replace the sills and the woodworm infested timbers, these unbudgeted expenses have added around $1,300 to our spend budget , so your continued support is absolutely vital.

Every little really helps and inspires us as we tackle this epic task for Christ OUR Lord and blessed Saviour. DEUS VULT.

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