Ceiling collapse 2009

Part of the ceiling of All Saints Church collapsed on Friday 20th February 2009, just as the bell-ringers were assembling for their regular Friday night practice. Marion Nash took these photos and has provided her eye-witness account.

Friday’s (20/02/09) evening bell-ringing practice incurred such wrath from above that a large chunk of plaster ceiling was sent crashing down, with an ’Almighty’ thump, within feet of Terry Collins, the Ringing Master, as he was wheeling regular visiting disabled ringer Derek Yates, down the aisle towards the bell ringing chamber access.

Presumably neither was the target of His displeasure as they were both unharmed, but a considerable amount of damage and destruction was caused. These photos taken on Saturday morning show just how promptly the Church Officers swung into action. The Church was closed and scaffolding erected ready for a detailed inspection the following Monday.

The last photo shows Martin Harbord, who braved the debris and potential danger, to go aloft and lower the bells for safety, donning the obligatory ’hard-hat’!

All Saints Church is closed until further notice. Sunday Communion is being held in the Lady Chapel, entered by the Lady Chapel Door, and Parish Eucharist in the Church