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Harlton Church Restoration |
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Restoration is an on-going problem for all
ancient churches. Much has already been achieved at Harlton with generous
help from many people, as well as invaluable financial assistance from
English Heritage and the practical help of dedicated individuals in
Harlton itself. Since 1988 major structural and roof repairs have been
completed and all the windows except one have been restored. New stone copings have been put on the nave and aisle parapets. The chancel walls have been repaired with clunch ashlar and protected with lime wash. The one remaining window will cost £30,000 to restore at today’s prices. The chancel parapets will soon need attention but in general the exterior features of the church are sound. The village is proud of its church. Restoration work has already started on the interior. The building, constructed of local stone, has exceptionally good acoustics. Concerts are held in the church, a mini-festival of music is held in the summer with visiting choirs, musicians and orchestras; these have helped to raise funds towards the restoration of the church fabric. Although there is still much to be done - including, for example, a new heating system - great progress has been made in the last few years, and continues unabated. Plans are well in hand for the rebuilding
and relocation of the 19th Century organ which will be used for worship,
concerts and recital, recordings, teaching purposes and master classes. It
will fulfill a unique and expanding role for a village church near
Cambridge. |
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