Restoration work in progress on the church tower.Brookfield Church today
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Restoration work in progress on the church tower.
This photo, taken on 10th August 2010, shows workmen carrying out some restoration work on the tower. The church has received two grants from English Heritage. The first grant awarded in 2004, allowed for the re-slating and pointing of the north and south aisle roofs. These roofs had been leaking for some time, and this has caused deterioration in the plaster below. This is now in the process of being replaced. The second grant awarded in 2008, was used to replace a corroded tie bar in the spire, which caused damage to the stone. Some of the grant was also used to restore the stained glass windows above the aisles, which had been damaged as a result of vandalism. Some of these windows had been concreted up. The windows were removed and sent away for repair, and will hopefully be back in situ fairly soon, with some protection fitted to the exterior. The church, which was built in 1871, was designed by the architect Thomas Worthington, and is a Grade II listed building.
The old graveyard after the recent clean up.
This picture shows the old graveyard after a recent clean up by the community workers. Although most of the stones have been damaged, the graveyard is much easier to walk round, making the stones, particularly the flat ones more readable. These workers have done a first class job on the graveyard despite the difficult conditions. I'm not sure exactly who they were, but it is pleasing to know that somebody cares about the local community, and I would like to take the opportunity to say Well Done!
The church lodge today.
This is a recent picture of the church lodge. It is now derelict and is boarded up. This was once the home of the church caretaker. The old horsing stone which was once in the grounds of the old chapel, is now situated near to the lodge gate. It is now overgrown and surrounded by fencing, and it would be impossible for me to get a satisfactory photo. It bears the date 1703.
The church cenotaph.
This picture shows the cenotaph, which once stood in the grounds of the Sunday school, and is now placed at the side of the church, adjacent to the lodge. On remembrance Sunday, a short service was held at the cenotaph, and wreaths were laid by representatives from the Boys Brigade, Girl Guides, and other associated members of the church and school. It was moved to its present place prior to the sale of the Sunday school building. A remembrance plaque that once had a place in the Sunday school hall, has been relocated to the inside of the church.