The Building and Restoration
Everyone who enters the Church of the Ascension realises immediately what a unique and precious building we have.
We began our ambitious programme of restoration in 2017, and although it was paused during Covid, we've made definite progress. Many members of our community have attended Wednesday morning working parties. After a massive effort of cleaning and refinishing, the panelled entrance doors have now been restored. Over summer 2018 the aisle floor was also repaired, with missing pieces of the terrazzo replaced and the area sealed against the elements. It now looks magnificent. In addition part of the portico was rebuilt, and the drains (very important!)have been completely overhauled.
Three of the lakeside church windows have had ventilation added to avoid moisture build up over the winter closure. The entrance gates were also restored in 2018. During 2019 the fence was renovated and further work was carried out on the external structure of the church.
The stained glass Ascension window was removed and transported to England at the end of 2019 to be repaired and refurbished by master stained glass craftsman Jim Budd. It was brought back and reinstated at Easter 2022. There is ongoing fundraising for the cost of this work at approximately 25,000 euros.
Other work is in the planning stage, notably the major project of restoring the internal art work (Sgrafitto), estimated to cost over £50,000. We are currently fundraising for this work.
Working Parties
All in all, this proactive church community, although small and with very limited funds, has made a significant start to the restoration programme. We have a well attended working party most Wednesdays during the open season from 10am - 12pm. Jobs carried out so far include gold painting, other painting jobs, cleaning, polishing, gardening, cementing, flower arranging etc.
If you would like to help us with your time or a donation, however small that may be, please visit our appeal page or the contact us page.
