The wall sign is now replaced and the job done
Subject to Peak Park signing off, the wall is now complete:
We are very pleased to announce that work to repair the wall will commence on Monday 8th August.
The Just Giving Page for Jane Street Wall Fundraising is now closed
St. Nicholas' Church is a Grade I listed building in Bradfield, a village on the North Eastern Edge of the Peak District, South Yorkshire. Part of the Eastern wall of its graveyard, which borders Jane Street, has collapsed due to the growth of incredibly old tree roots. We fear further collapse and potential damage to the surrounding area is inevitable. The offending tree has been chopped down, but the entire wall is weakened. It requires urgent repair, involving the removal and ultimate replacement of the original stones, as well as the removal of the now remaining tree stump.
Due to the archaic heritage of the churchyard, with graves dating back to the 12th century, we have a statutory requirement to engage with an organisation specialising in cultural heritage conservation and contracting; in our case, we have chosen CFA Archaeology following advice from the Diocese.
At the Southern tip of the wall, there is a right of way for public access followed by the Watch House to the Church - the only remaining building of its type in Yorkshire dating back to the 18th century.
Jane Street is a narrow, cobbled street that connects its Grade II listed buildings in the heart of High Bradfield. For the safety of its residents and visitors alike, this street will need to be closed as soon as possible but affirmatively whilst repairs to the wall are being carried out.
St Nicholas’ Church is in regular use (pre and during Covid), not only by the thriving congregation, but also in its hosting of events for the wider community, including the now nationally-recognised, Bradfield Festival of Music.
Our initial approaches to contractors have led us to believe that the total cost of this exercise will be in the region of £80,000. This is an enormous amount for a small country parish in the heart of the Peak District. Because of the urgency of the situation, in addition to the restrictions placed upon us due to Covid, we do not have time to engage in our usual village money-raising activities.
As a result, we are desperately seeking alternative sources of funding and are asking for your help. Any help would be gratefully appreciated.
Recent update:
Update 29 October 2021 - The contract has now been signed for work to commence on the wall as soon as all Planning Permissions have been received. So far we have raised just under £21,000 via Just Giving, Grants and Gifts. We have enough money to start the build but still need funds to enable the full amount to be covered. We have been able to secure some money via loans which will have to be repaid so our fundraising continues.
Thank you so much to everyone who has given money so far.