St Mary’s Church in North Mymms had cause for double celebration last month as Archdeacon Janet visited to bless two major projects: a beautifully restored stained glass window and a new digital sound system. Both projects were made possible by a diocesan accessibility grant designed to support individuals with hearing loss, including the church’s Curate, the Revd Sara Head.
Fragments of medieval glazing, some dating back to the 15th Century, were beginning to fade and deteriorate after years exposed to the elements. Glazing experts from Holywell Glass were able to successfully remove and restore the glass fragments and house them in new “pockets” which mean they sit inside the church with a plain pane behind them to protect them from further corrosion and exposure to the elements. A similar process was recently undertaken at Ely Cathedral.
The restoration was funded by grants from the Beds & Herts Historic Churches Trust, The Glaziers Trust, and other sources, along with generous donations from the congregation. To further support the project, the church has launched a “Be a Diamond ♢” campaign, inviting people to dedicate a diamond-shaped pane of glass in memory of a loved one.
In addition to the restoration work, a replacement digital sound system was installed to improve accessibility for those with hearing loss, ensuring that services and events can be enjoyed by everyone in the community.
To commemorate the occasion, the Vicar of St Mary’s, the Revd Ruth Barr, Archdeacon Janet, and retiring Church Architect Peter Dalling were presented with 3D-printed replicas of the restored window.
Richard Jackson, a PCC member who is doing some work with parishes as our Local Church Income Support Officer, said:
“It was wonderful to share this moment with so many including those who had dedicated hours to making it all happen behind the scenes from filling in the paperwork, meeting engineers and workers and taking both projects from concept to completion. I love when new technology can help tell a story, and a 3D printed model of the window which can be picked up and looked at really helps bring it to life. Regular churchgoers and local residents have enjoyed learning about the windows and how they have been restored and everyone is able to benefit from the improved sound experience in the church and also the adjoining parish room for services and meetings – especially those with hearing loss.”
