Well a lot has happened since Ffrindiau Tydecho Friends (FfTF) received the initial funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) so here is a summary...
Cwmni Nod Glas kindly agreed to administer the funds on behalf of the Friends.
The following professional services were appointed:
- Hughes Architects of Newtown were appointed to undertake a condition survey of the church building
- Grace and Howe Consulting Engineers of Machynlleth were appointed to assess the structural condition of the church building
FfTF received their reports at the end of last year which largely confirmed our concerns particularly regarding the condition of the roof and gable wall under the bellcote. They also identified the requirement for a more detailed survey of the main trusses and the interior of the gable wall which is currently clad with timber panelling. We have asked for quotations for this extra work.
At the end of this phase we aim to have cost estimates for the renovation work required to secure the church building structure and therefore seek funds for the work to be undertaken. A potential source of a suitable grant would be by way of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and further support from the AHF. Amongst the requirements for a successful grant application would be;
- a measure of the local support for the scheme
- uses for the church building
- a body to manage the church building, and
- the means of maintaining the church building once the renovation has been complete.
To address the first three points we will shortly undertake a local consultation. This is a key step and work is underway to design a suitable questionnaire and look at the best ways to get a meaningful response.
In addition, and to address the final point, FfTF have secured the Church in Wales' agreement to donate two acres of Glebe land just across the road along with the church building to establish a natural burial ground. We have been in discussions with a well respected and experienced natural burial ground operator, Leedams based in Monmouth. This will need to go through all the normal planning approvals but if successful has the potential to provide long term security to the church building.