Done and dusted (part 1)

How better to spend a Maundy Thursday afternoon, as Storm Nelson raged outside, than starting to de-dust the Priory?

The merry band of volunteers, armed with long range fluffy dusting implements, dusters and a range of polishes, set to with enthusiasm. There was genuine excitement as previously invisible dirt-laden cobwebs were wound, spaghetti-style around Heath-Robinson-esque devices and three months-worth of layers of nave floor dust succumbed to microfibre cloths.

In the Friends’ Priory Shop the fitments were cleaned and waxed, ready to be restocked after Easter. Silver was polished to a mirror shine in the chancel.

And all the time visitors appeared, dripping, into the warmth (hooray for underfloor heating) and shelter of the Priory. Not one visitor escaped without a volunteer enthusing over the wonder that is the new Nave Floor!

Do come and see it - it’s off limits to actually stand on until Easter Day, as the finishing oil dries and the newly laid tiles set - but visitors can now walk all the way to the west end via the south aisle to see the Norman font and look down the central aisle.

Cleaning recommences on Saturday at 9.30am. Volunteers are welcome to experience the satisfaction of a job well done fortified by free tea and coffee.