The Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage today announced a grant of £323,000 to fund repairs to the tower and spire of Alderley Edge Methodist Church. There are significant problems with corroding ironwork and splitting masonry. Full scaffolding will be needed to carry out the repairs, which will involve dismantling part of the spire and rebuilding it using stainless steel cramps and cross trees. The Grade 2 listed building, within the Alderley Edge Conservation Area, incorporates a listed spire, clock, bell, organ and pulpit. The most unusual features are the clock and bell. Cast in about 1850, the clock is one of three in the country and the cast iron bell is one of just two. Although the grant will go a long way towards completing the substantial restoration works it falls short of the £460,000 application which was submitted to English Heritage and has been provided on the condition that £25,000 is raised by the local community. The church community are committed to saving Alderley Edge’s first public clock and have launched a ‘Friends of Alderley Edge Methodist Church’ scheme. They are in the process of planning events and activities to contribute towards the funding of repairs. The first of which is a Summer Ball, taking place on Saturday 27th June 2009 at Alderley Edge Cricket Club. For further information see the event listing or contact the Church Office on 01625 586713, or by sending an email to [email protected]
