David Black (DSB Forensic Accountant) invites fellow Chamber of Commerce members to St Andrew’s to learn about the restoration and conservation work which has recently been started on St Andrew’s church spire.

There are two session on Wednesday 26th February

The first is over breakfast, where we will be joined by the Mayor, Paul Baker from 8-9.30 am, and a lunchtime “open house” session from 12.30 -2pm

The church (Grade II listed) has, since the 1880s been a well-known landmark in both Montpellier and Cheltenham’s wider townscape – so we are delighted that the Mayor, Paul Baker, is able to join us for the breakfast-time session.

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The spire is now ‘under wraps’ to allow de-construction and rebuilding of the top part of the spire. This is needed due to distortion and damage caused by rusting of Victorian ironwork, which could ultimately result in, at worst, collapse of the spire. As an eco-church, we will conserve and reuse as many as possible of the original stones. These are also of historic interest, having (like stones used in Cheltenham College Chapel) come from Leckhampton Quarry. The spire and related work will cost approaching £500k and take (depending on weather) at least until mid-2025.

Refreshments will be provided while visitors hear about this vital work, including from conservation architect Stephen Sedwell and Jason Graham of Midland Conservation Ltd, project contractors and stone-masons. Attenders may also be able to view the Victorian spire cross, brought down from the spire pending restoration and conservation.

We hope you will be able to join us at St Andrew’s Church, one of Cheltenham’s landmark buildings and a major community hub which celebrates its 140th anniversary this year.

Please RSVP, particularly if you plan to attend the breakfast session,

to  Anne Strathie (astrathie@btinternet.com) or David Black (davidblack9@btinternet.com);

Please also mention any dietary requirements (e.g. gluten free).