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The church heating system dated from 1896 and in 1985 a study reported that it was old, inefficient and nearing the end of its life.  The recommendation was that the whole system, the boiler and the piping, should be replaced by modern equipment.  However, financial constraints dictated that only the boiler could be replaced at that time.  Over the next 20 years, the Victorian four inch cast iron piping became ever more prone to leakage, which culminated in a major and expensive repair in 2005, after which the PCC decided that the installation of modern piping could be deferred no longer.  In the meanwhile, the replacement boiler failed in the very cold winter of 2002/3 and was replaced by a far more capable unit.

The piping work was undertaken during February this year by AD Mechanicals of Portsmouth.  The new equipment follows the same course as its predecessor but comprises one level of two inch finned piping, which will be more efficient, use much less water (and thus less fuel) and should eliminate the long-standing problems of leakage.

Concurrent with this piping installation, renovation of the clergy vestry has been completed with the re-plastering and lime-washing of all of the walls.

Together, these two projects amount to the most substantial improvement to be undertaken in this church since the extensive re-roofing ten years ago.  They provide a valuable legacy to our successors.

Bob Wright