Friends of St Andrew's

The Parish Church of St Andrew
Stratton, Cornwall

Friends of St Andrew's - Preserving the building and churchyard for future generations

© FoStA 2008/9 - Page last updated 21 October 2009

In March 2006, the five-yearly report by our Church Architect recommended an urgent inspection of the lighting system. As a result, in February 2008 the wiring was overhauled and the circuit boards upgraded.  The cost of £2038 was donated by Gwen Humphries.

Since then, those who attend church will have noticed frequent failure of light bulbs and that some fittings no longer work.  In addition, current EU regulations mean that the bulbs won’t be available and the existing fittings can no longer be used.  So, urgent action was required.

In 2009, several proposals were considered by the PCC and a scheme agreed.  It was designed by Pete Powers of Bridgerule, who would do the installation, and materials would be supplied by Safe & Sound Electrical Supplies of Kings Hill, Bude.  Details of the type of lighting are shown below.  The total cost was estimated at £8500 which covers the lights, the cost of fitting and VAT.

A Faculty (ie permission to do the work) was sought - but the priority was to raise funds so that some of the work could be done before winter 2009/10.

The lighting in the Nave and the North and South Aisles has now been completed at a cost of around £6000 - raised by a grant from The Blanchminster Trustees and from donations from individuals/families who have sponsored particular lights.

To complete this main phase, it is likely that FoStA will make a contribution of up to £2000 towards the lighting in the Chancel and the two side Chapels, using a combination of floodlighting and spotlights.

In addition, two new light fittings are being installed outside the South Porch (the main entrance to St Andrew’s) that will be automatically on from dusk to dawn. The cost is likely to be £300 to £400.

If you would like more information on any of this work, please contact PCC Secretary Ian Barker on 01288 353435, or use the form on the Contacts page.

And if you are able to help financially, whether through FoStA or directly to St Andrew’s, please contact PCC Treasurer Rob Varley on 01288 355737 or FoStA’s Membership Secretary via this e-mail link.

FoStA PROJECT  - CHURCH LIGHTING - £8500 estimate

Examples of the light fittings and the proposed locations