STRATFORD NEWS ARCHIVE

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ST FRANCIS CHURCH IS CLOSED AT 24 HOURS NOTICE

: A view of the interior of the St Francis church as it was

On Christmas Eve, 24th December 2008, St Francis church at Stratford had to be suddenly closed on the orders of the insurers because its safety could no longer be guaranteed. At a few hours' notice alternative arrangements had to be made for the Christmas celebrations and all the services that followed. The friars were grateful that the Headteacher of St Francis School generously agreed to open up the School halls for the use of the parish until the church can be made safe with scaffolding and other means. Several alarming cracks have appeared in the walls of the church over the years. The tunnels carrying the Channel Tunnel Fast Rail Link run beneath the church and trains started running through them regularly last year.

By mid-January 2009 it was possible to use the hall underneath the church for weekday Masses.

By Mid-March the scaffolding began to be installed which would make the church safe for use. The St Francis Chapel where the wall needs to be rebuilt remains out of use. It was hoped to be back in the church for Holy Week much to the relief of all the people.

: Inside the church

: the areas needing attention

: are carefully sealed off

The outside wall of St Francis chapel is secured until it can be completely rebuilt

On Tuesday, 24th March 2009, after a mammoth cleaning operation by the parishioners, the weekday Masses resumed in the church, and the following weekend the Sunday Masses also returned there. The presence of the scaffolding was a minor irritant. It will remain until the structural engineers have decided what needs to be done to rectify the trouble with the walls. For now, parishioners are grateful that they have the use of their church again.