Louise is church architect to St Andrew’s Church and following the Quinquennial Inspection (A survey required of all churches every 5 years) it was discovered that there were many open joints to the copings and to the tower. Over the next year a plan was put in place to undergo the necessary repairs.

The church is currently undergoing coping and roof repairs to its nave and chancel, as well as the tower being completed re-pointed. The two pre-reformation bells have been identified by bell specialist John Arthur as being cast by Johannes de Copgrave in 1399. Bells cast by him are found at Boynton, Grisby ex (Stockburn), here 2 bells, Luftus (recast 1811), and Scrawton, so 5 bells remain intact. What I find interesting is that the majority of these bells are within a confined area of North Yorkshire with a couple a little wider. He may well not have had a fixed base but may well have been an itinerant founder casting on site.Originally both bells would have had cast in wrought iron staple sfrom which the clappers would have been hung. Mr Clouston reported that the treble bells had had a staple “cemented” into position and I would add that from the holes in the crown of the tenor bell a “false” staple may well have been fitted at some time.

The works are being completed under a JCT Minor Works Contract by Pinnacle Conservation with Shaw and Jagger acting as Contract Administrators.