Left. The archway through the centre of the chapel, through which a horse drawn hearse would have entered the cemetery, was at some time bricked up and covered with ugly white glazed tiles. This has now been removed [above]. The archway will be fitted with two splendid oak and glazed doors, allowing a good view of the landscape towards the moors. This will allow the archway to be used as a Museum exhibition area, giving increased space and easier access for the disabled.

In the past the south west end has been rendered, this is now being removed to expose the stonework and allow the correct pointing material to be applied.

Removing all the pointing and re-pointing with lime mortar is a long, tedious and labour intensive task. The building had at some point be repointed with cement, this being an unsuitable material for old stonework had shrunk and was allowing damp tp penetrate. However the Chapel is already looking very different with the new lighter and more sympathetic pointing.

Left. A glimpse of the view through the archway is apparent. The new doors will have windows in them that reflect the style of the present windows. This will allow light into the area and a sheltered place to appreciate the views.

Below. All the split and flaking stones have been removed by the stone mason and new stone are being made from Polyphant stone. This is the stone that was originally used and over 100 years later the quarry is still in operation.

The stone mason, Ian Piper, having carefully removed all the cracked and flaking old stones is now replacing them. Although the stone comes form the same quarry as the original there is of course a variation in the colour. The mason's skill is apparent in the exact shaping and fit of the new stones.

Below. By early June the scaffolding had come down to reveal the true beauty of the stone work with lime mortar. Bottom right shows the new west end without the ugly concrete rendering. Compare this with the picture above.

The new doors in the process of being fitted, although not completely glazed. Completion of the glazing will be delayed a few days until the baby swallows, high in a nest inside the archway have flown their nest! The photograph on the left should be compared with the first one at the top of this page.

Below the full effect of the doors can be seen. The porch wears a plastic bag as a hat as one of the top stones has been removed to be replaced by new.

RE-OPENING OF THE HERITAGE CENTRE, 22nd July 2006

Andrew Long, the Portreeve declares the refurbished centre open and Mr Wills from the Heritage Lottery Fund cuts the ribbon.