Raise the flag...our work is done
Worshippers at a church believed to be the oldest working building in Preston are celebrating the end of vital renovation work.
Workmen spent over six months repairing the crumbling bell tower at St John Baptist, in Church Lane, Broughton.
It was expected to be finished before Christmas but was delayed by bad weather.
It has now been completed at a cost of 140,000, following contributions and a fund-raising drive.
Canon Sidney Fox said: "It was a superb morning to mark a restart for the tower that was built 477 years ago, in the reign of Henry VIII.
"The efforts, not only of this congregation, but the people of the parish have enabled this renewal – which we marked by the flag of St George flying.
"It's really good that we have got an historic tower, probably the oldest working building in Preston, back to full working condition.
"And also to have that major phase finished. We are beginning to feel we are getting somewhere."
The choir, of around 70 men and boys, sang the hymn Jerusalem as they made their way to the tower where Chris Couper, of the church's land and buildings committee, cut the ribbon.
Then the procession made its way out of the church to watch Rose Queen Emma Shepherd raise the flag on top of the tower as onlookers cheered her on.
Dating back to 1533, the damp stone tower has been inaccessible for many years, although the bells still ring out at least three times a week.
English Heritage provided 49,000 for the work, which included a new flagpole and the strengthening of cracked walls.
Now 35,000 has to be raised to complete phases three, four and five for external works and decoration.
Canon Fox added: "We are applying for permission for the decorating because it's a listed building. We want to change it to a striking colour."
The tower was formally opened during the 11am service on Sunday.
Phase one, which saw work on the roof, began in 2007, to renovate the Grade II* listed building, which dates from 1826.
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Weather for Preston
Thursday 29 July 2010
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 15 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 15 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
