High Chapel Caretakers’ Notes

The 'Caretaker's Notes' were a regular feature in our parish magazine 'The Link' during the period of uncertainty following the cessation of worship at the High Chapel in 2006. The notes informed parishioners about what was happening at the chapel and what work needed doing for which volunteers were required. Below is a typical extract.

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The fabric of the Chapel is still being restored, with several moves forward since last month. The eastern gable end has been partly stabilised, so that we may soon be able to remove the “caution” tapes. I have been learning about Putty Lime Mortar – its art and strange characteristics. It is little wonder it causes such diverse opinions and outrage. The sacrificial nature of this breathable material is counter intuitive to most modern thinking, were we tend to believe in our own permanence.  Putty Lime is an ancient way of allowing buildings to breath and I am pleased to say that my early attempts seem to be working (so far).

The tall windows continue to be painted and gradually restored (another learning curve). The nailed up modern windows are about to be un-nailed and made to open. The toilet is not as dry as I had hoped but much better and with the opening of the window it now is aired and far dryer. A window catch was recovered and fitted from the old rotten toilet window. The flower beds have increased and the shrubs are soon to be cut back to a size that is more appropriate to the bed – thanks to Barbara and Roy.

Thanks are also due to Percy Robinson who has repaired the collapsed wall – this will allow us to recover the head stone of the Rev. Hill and then to replace it in its niche with appropriate fixings to hold it. It sure is a heavy stone! The wall still needs more stone to complete it at the right height, so if anyone has good sized stone to offer please let Margaret Atkinson or me know. There is about a yard and a half needed with approx 18 inches of height to fill. Large flat top stones to finish it would be great. Thanks to Joan Turvey for letting us repair it on her side. Next ? – The Western “weather” Gable!

MA & FC