The Lord Mayor of Stoke, the Bishop of Stafford and Archdeacon of Stoke climbed to the top of the scaffolding around the tower of St. Mark’s, Shelton, affectionately known as the 'the potters' cathedral' to look at the repairs that have been recently completed. Whilst up there they took in the view across the city and beyond from the 100-foot-high tower.
Now that the roof repairs are nearing completion and fractured and damaged stone has been replaced, the top five layers of scaffolding will shortly be coming down, so this was a last opportunity to go to the top for what will be many years.
The work has been part of a £2million repair and restoration project that will see further repairs to the lower levels of the tower and more stonework around the church. The main roof has also been replaced along with ceiling repairs inside. The work began in January 2023 and is due to be completed by the end of 2024, by the specialist contractor Heritage Conservation Restoration Ltd.
It has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Diocese of Lichfield, National Churches Trust and a host of other funders and grant-making bodies.
Rt Revd Matthew Parker, the Bishop of Stafford, said "It’s a joy to see the skilled work that has been done on St Mark’s church and I am very grateful for the many who have worked on the project. St Mark’s is a 'landmark' building, and these repairs will ensure that it remains a beacon of Christian hope and faith on the skyline of the City.”
Team Rector, Revd Phillip Jones said, "We were delighted to show off the repair work that has been done. This vital work will secure the future of St. Mark’s for another generation, enabling the church to continue to serve its local community".
Pictured: Rt Revd Matthew Parker, Councillor Majid Khan, The Ven Megan Smith, Revd Phillip Jones