Project summary
At the start of our Gardening Club initiative, the first task agreed upon was to improve the front of the church by removing the large, overgrown privet hedge on the right-hand side. The hedge had long obscured the garden area and hidden Our Lady’s statue from view.
The Work Begins
Thanks to the dedication of Frank Etchells, the hedge was carefully removed, and for the first time in years, Our Lady’s statue could be seen clearly from the road. The change instantly transformed the look of the church frontage, but it also revealed that the statue itself was in need of attention — the paint was dull, cracked, and peeling.
A Parishioner’s Talent
By happy coincidence, one of our parishioners, Jim Kay, an experienced portrait painter, kindly offered to help despite never having restored a statue before. He removed the statue from its plinth and worked on it in his shed. Over a week Jim:
- Removed old paint and repaired broken fingers and cracks
- Sanded the surface to a smooth finish
- Applied primer, high-quality gloss paints and gold leaf detailing
- Finished with a weather-protective clear coat
Replanting the Garden
With the hedge gone and the statue restored, attention turned to replanting the surrounding flower bed. Funds were limited, so parishioners were invited to donate plants or make a small contribution. The response was wonderful — donations provided enough plants to fill the garden with colour and texture. Many were placed in large pots so they could be brought inside during winter.
A Beautiful Result
By July 2018, Our Lady’s garden was complete — a vibrant, open, and peaceful space that has quickly become a favourite spot for quiet reflection. The restored statue now stands proudly in full view, surrounded by blooming flowers, a true symbol of the parish community’s care and collaboration.
