Wisbech St Mary focal point is given a lick of paint
A Wisbech St Mary focal point has been given a much needed makeover for the first time in decades.
The gates outside Wisbech St Mary church are now back where they belong after receiving a lick of paint thanks to the parish council.
Earlier this year a decision was made by Wisbech St Mary Parish Council to spruce up the gates, which are thought to be around 100 years old.
Chairman Coun David Wheeler said: “The story began with Coun Mark Knight noticing that the gates were in a poor state of repair having passed them every day on his daily dog walk.
“After discussion with Coun John Humphrey, the two councillors decided to offer their services to refurbish the gates. However, after further thoughts it was suggested that a more professional finish would be obtained if they were shot blasted and primed by a specialist company.”
The parish council agreed to fund the project to a cost of £420 on the understanding that councillors would undertake the labour and support for the project.
Coun Wheeler said: “As an important focal point in the village, it was felt that we needed to take steps to preserve and improved the gates for the benefit of our community.
“Interestingly, the gates were last repaired some 37 years ago by the village blacksmith and engineer, John Wilson and Son Engineers.
“David Wilson remembers his father undertaking the work and as a young man helped him re-hang the gates back in 1983.
“So, what better man to help with the project!”
In March, Couns Knight and Humphrey, along with David Wilson removed the gates before they were taken to Bright Blast Cleaning in Terrington.
The shot blast and primed gates were delivered and rehung at the church around three weeks later, before being painted with special black and gold paint.
On Wednesday, April 14, the gates were formally handed over to Rev Ryk Parkinson, Priest-in-Charge of Wisbech St Mary Parish.
He said: “We are very grateful to the Parish Council for delivering back to us very smart newly painted gates and archway, a proud day for the village church.”
