BUILDING FUND

After a long period of trying to make do and mend, the proposed works of repair are needed to make the building watertight which will assist in reducing decay to the historic fabric of the building and ensuring the continuation of use as a place of worship.

Recent issues have come to light with the drainage, gutters and fallpipes following leaks into the church, sacristy and presbytery.

The brickwork generally requires attention to deal with open joints and bricks that are damaged or missing their fire face.

The brickwork to the entrance porch has suffered badly.

Donations received

As at 20.05.2025 we have received £34,259 in donations, thank you!

The finance sub committee members are Fr Simon, Jack Clarke, Paul Barry, Ed Dyer, Marie Baker, Justin Park, Francis McAllister and Caroline Walker.

If you would like to contribute towards the building fund the details are:-

Diocese Leeds Our Lady Immaculate St Robert H’gate

Bank HSBC

Sort Code 40-27-15

Account Number 81017489

Reference: Building Fund

Cheques made payable to Diocese of Leeds St Robert H'Gate and please write Building Fund on the reverse

Complete an envelope at the back of church

scan the QR Code which can be found in the bulletin or on the poster at the back of church

Issues with the drainage across the front of the church were identified back in 2019 and further investigations undertaken in 2023 confirmed the need for works of repair to be undertaken.

In essence, following the undertaking of CCTV investigations it has become apparent that an approximate 30.0m length of 225mm dia. drain that runs across the front of the church has suffered partial collapse and requires replacement.

Full details of the scope of repair are currently awaited from the drainage company however, repair of the drain is likely to require the lifting of a substantial area of the existing concrete flag paving in front of the church as well as a section of the ramp access to the church to allow excavation to be undertaken to expose the existing drain.

The drain then needs to be lifted and replaced followed by reinstatement of the paving and the ramp. The works required are likely to require the closure of the existing main entrance, with access to the church likely to be provided from a door in the liturgical south aisle adjacent to the car park.

The main entrance to the church is currently served by a concrete ramp with a rubber tile surface. The ramp sits in an area of stack bonded flag paving. It is believed that the ramp was installed as part of the reordering works undertaken in 1969. The existing rubber surface is in poor condition in many areas and as part of the drainage repairs will require replacement.

The brickwork generally to this elevation requires attention to deal with open joints and bricks that are damaged or missing their fire face

A number of the stone columns installed to the window reveals are badly cracked and cutting out and replacement is proposed.

The brickwork generally has been failing for some time with the fire face spalling off in many areas. The works to the South Elevation will look to restore bricks in the eaves projecting courses below the gutters.

Water ingress has occurred in the link corridor between the Church and the presbytery owing to defects in the felt roof.

Leaks have occurred through the lead flat roof installed on the presbytery and water ingress has occurred through the walls on the corner of the presbytery adjacent to the church leading to damage and staining of the internal plaster finishes at both ground and first floor.

The cast iron gutters at high level on the nave have failed in the past leading to water ingress into the church.

The gutters need cleaning and repair to extend their life and it is proposed to install new lead flashings below the gutters to prevent the future ingress of water into the church.

The gutters will be lifted to allow them to undergo inspection and any gutter lengths that are corroded or holed will be replaced with new cast iron sections to match the profile of the original gutters.

The downpipes are of rectangular section and these will be inspected for signs of corrosion and where this is found, the pipes will undergo removal and replacement.

Water ingress has occurred through the main nave roof adjacent to the West gable causing water to drop onto the organ gallery and slate repairs will be undertaken here.

Issues with the Gable Cross were identified in March 2023 as stone debris was found to be falling above the main entrance to the church.

Pebble Stonemasonry undertook an inspection of the Cross using a mobile elevated work platform and found that the cross was in poor condition and had been subject to previous attempts at repair using mortar and copper wire armatures.

It was possible to remove substantial sections of stone quite easily by hand and given that these would have fallen off quite quickly a decision was taken to remove the cross for reasons of safety.

We have already sought and accepted quotations for the cleaning and decoration of the timber window surrounds and redecoration will be undertaken.

An image of the church in 1912.

Water ingress has occurred in the stairwell serving the organ gallery and it is believed that this has been caused by water ingress through open joints in the external masonry.

There is a possibility of subsidence occurring to the presbytery utility room.

The visible internal damage to the church caused by the roof leaks

The building work will be carried out in phases depending upon priority.

Making these repairs will ensure a secure home for our parish to thrive for the next 150 years. Your prayers and contribution to the success of the project are greatly appreciated.