Projects - Past & Future

The Friends of Holy Cross was created as a registered charity in 2015 and has contributed funding to many projects to repair and improve the church and its surroundings both for today and for generations to come.  The recent programme began in 2011 with the restoration of the church’s magnificent Georgian organ (the story is told fully in a series of YouTube videos, starting here) and has continued ever since with the support of The Friends.

The tower weathervane refurbishment was our latest project.  It was completed in June 2026.

The weathervane had needed attention following many years of faithful service.  The movement joints have now been eased; the metalwork has been repaired and painted; and those golden surfaces have been re-gilded.  

The work has been carried out with grants from The Friends, Benefact and Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust.

Other projects that The Friends has helped fund are:

• New signs for Holy Cross and replacement of faulty LED bulbs (2026)
• Re-gilding of the clock face, refurbishment of clock mechanism, realignment of the north gate, tree surgery in the churchyard (2024/5)
• Purchase of two new lawnmowers to cut the churchyard and repair of the chancel ceiling (2023)
• Refurbishment of the bells (2021/2)
• Purchase of a video camera and large screens (2020)
• Installation of fully controllable, phased, colour LED lighting (2019)
• Repair of the treble bell (2016)
• Repairs to the lychgate (2015)

The following projects are being discussed and prioritised with the rector and the Local Church Committee.  And if an unexpected problem arises, The Friends will be available to give whatever support it can.

Improvements to the physical fabric:

• Replacement of the tower flagpole
• Replacement of the tower roof door
• Repair the West Door including making it draught-proof
• Refurbishment and reordering of the Darrell Chapel so it can be used as a small space for worship

Interpretation of historic assets:

• Provide QR boards and associated material for all key features within the church
• Enhance the display of the Saxon Stones