Southam Church Floor Restoration

Church Admin • 15 July 2025

Our restoration is complete and Church of the Ascension has re-opened

Back in August 2024 we launched an appeal to raise much needed funds to restore the floor at The Church of the Ascension, Southam.

This unique, ancient and beautiful church was built in the twelfth century as a private chapel. In the seventeenth century it was used as a barn but it was rescued in the nineteenth century and became a chapel again.

In 1957, it was re-consecrated as the Church of the Ascension, Southam, and became the daughter church of the Church of St Michael and All Angels in the Parish of Bishop’s Cleeve. It still contains some treasures, including misericords, memorials and a medieval painting. More importantly, it stands as a witness to a Christian presence in this village and a place of worship in the love of Jesus Christ. It is a central part of the history, heritage and faith of Southam.

Following the quinquennial inspection by our Church Surveyor, it was found that we needed extensive work to repair and conserve the church floor. We expected this work to cost between £30,000 and £35,000. We gathered competitive quotes and obtained permission from the Diocesan Advisory Committee. We could find £10,000 from our own fund towards this extra cost, but we needed to raise about £20,000 from other sources.

Pictures showing the work that needed doing:

Following a fantastic response from many people within the community and Church community offering financial support, by the end of January 2025 we had enough money pledged to begin the work. We started collecting the pledges raised by individuals, companies and by applying for various grants.

Then followed the work, including removing the carpet which had been covering up the floor, removing the pews, dismantling the organ, getting in specialists to remove the asbestos and then getting Kevin Paul, stone mason in to begin the restoration.

This work started in April 2025 with services continuing to be held at the nearby Southam Village Hall throughout the closure of the Church. Work was fully completed by the end of June, with the pews going back in, and the organ being rebuilt.

Pictures taken after the work:

On Sunday 13th July 2025 at 9.30 am Revd Ben Williams led a Re-dedication service, including Holy Communion, at The Church of the Ascension. This was well attended by many, including Kevin Paul and his Mum Anne, who is a regular member of our congregation.

Refreshments and chat followed the service.

Thank you so much to all those who were involved in this process:

Everybody who has contributed to the cost.
Our church surveyor for guidance.
John Donovan for project management and for restoring the oak panelling and for repairing the organ swell.
The Village Hall Committee for hosting services while works were under way.
The Tithe Barn owners for accommodating contractors as needed and for storing the furniture.
All contractors for good work done and fair pricing.
St Michael’s brass team for cleaning brasses.
Ann Jessop for grant fund raising.

PIctures taken at the Re-dedication service: