The East Wall, St. Nicholas Church

At last, we are beginning to move forward with this project, writes Church Warden Mary Langdown. The church architect is in the process of instructing the engineers to begin Phase 1 work, which is more investigation into the reasons behind the failure of the flint work.

In the meantime, I have applied for a 'Faculty' from the Diocese (i.e. since our church belongs to the Church of England, nothing can be done without permission from the Diocese). If everything goes according to plan, this work should begin in May. It will concentrate on the digging up of the drain around the base of the buttress, testing the soil for load-bearing capabilities and replacing with a new drainage system if practicable. 'Tell-Tales' have been fitted to the inside of the wall to measure how much movement there is over time.

Twyford Singers will give a performance of J.H. Maunder's 'Olivet to Calvary' on Sunday 27 April at 7.30pm in aid of the East Wall Restoration Fund. Tickets are £3, including refreshments, telephone 0118 978 xxxx, 0118 978 7880 or buy them at the door.

There will be an organ recital on Saturday 28 June at 7.30pm to raise funds for the Royal Berkshire Hospital's Intensive Care Unit. Further details of the organist and works to be performed have yet to be finalised, so please look out for advertising. We appreciate it is the weekend of the Hurst Horse Show, but it was the only date offered by the Berkshire Organist Association.