Posted on Nov 14, 2003

ST EBBA'S CHURCH RESTORATION During the last decade, efforts have been made in the village of Beadnell to restore St Ebba's Church. Some thirty years ago the three Church bells which were set for full circle ringing had to be taken down as the frame was deemed to be unsafe - one bell remained to chime the clock. During the mid nineteen nineties a local appeal was launched in order to raise money to restore the bells. As a result of the great generosity of local people and friends of St Ebba's, a new frame was built, one bell required repair and they were rehung for swing chiming. The bells are now rung before each service. Over the last few years some damage has occurred to the Church windows of a minor nature, but in 2002 further wilful damage of a more serious nature occurred to the North Chancel stained glass window. At this time the Parochial Church Council decided that the windows should be repaired. Iona Art Glass was commissioned to undertake restoration of the windows and this work has recently been completed including replacement of a stone mullion in the West Vestry. The windows are now immaculate and greatly enhance the overall appearance of the building. As a forward looking Parish we have further plans for the future and aim to provide within the building disabled toilet facilities and a gallery for the provision of tea or coffee after services or meetings held in the Church. This will be combined with a meeting area at the west end of the Nave; we hope this work will be completed within the next eighteen months.