|
Fire Window
Following two major fires in 1974 and 1991, a
mural portraying a cross of nails and flames, symbolising the suffering
of the Church was placed high in the nave at the west end of the
church. The mural covered a former doorway to a gallery which, in
1869, was removed and filled in, the woodwork having become rotten and
unsafe. The mural was designed by Michael Jacks. In
2005, the PCC agreed to a plan that the mural should be removed and
replaced by a stained glass window depicting the mural which would add beauty
to the church, as well as allowing the bellringers to be able to see
through to the church and in turn, the congregation will be able see the
bellringers, thus bringing them closer together. The
mural was removed in May 2006 and in July the new stained glass window
was fitted, designed by Susan McCarthy. The amount of
light transmitted via the window in the ringing chamber was less than
anticipated and consequently the window looked a bit dull.
This was improved by installing a white blind in the ringing
chamber, which reflects light from a low energy tube lamp.
When bellringing on a Sunday morning the blind is up, thus
bringing the bellringers and the congregation closer together, but at
other times the blind is down to allow the window to be better
illuminated.
The
window was dedicated by Bishop Laurie of Bradwell at a Service on 8 July
2007.
Susan McCarthy and the stained
glass window
|
