The restoration project at St. Mary’s Church reaches a key milestone next week as the historic windows return to the building. The installation will take place from Monday lunchtime, 8 December, through to Wednesday.
The work comes as the church faces an extra bill for repairs to its bells. Two of the bells were found to have cracks that need welding. The repair will cost £7,357 plus VAT, an expense not included in the original budget.
The church has opened donations to help meet the shortfall. Anyone in the village who wants to support the project can give through the Overton Church Heritage Fund at the Parish Giving website:
https://www.parishgiving.org.uk/donors/find-your-parish/overton-church-heritage-fund-basingstoke.
This dedicated fund also covered the refurbishment of the church clock in recent years.
Supporters can also leave a more personal mark. All wooden louvres in the bell tower will be replaced as part of the project, and each one is available for sponsorship at £200. Sponsors can add a small message or mark to their chosen louvre before it goes into place. Donations can be made through the same link.
The church hopes the community will help preserve an important part of Overton’s heritage as the work continues.
