Work on the Sanctuary began in May 2007 and is currently on-going.

The refurbishment work will involve installation of the new altar, ambo and presidential chair. The marble steps will also be replaced with stone.

The cost of this work will be approximately £70,000.

It is estimated that work will be completed within 3 weeks.

The Church will remain open for private prayer as usual (see the Weekly Bulletin for the amended Mass times).

Any help in fundraising for this project would be very welcome and donations to the restoration fund, very much appreciated.

In July of 2004, while work was being carried out on the eaves and guttering of St Wilfrid's Church, it was discovered that the bell tower was in urgent need of repair.

In February 2006, an estimate revealed that it would cost £86,104 + VAT to restore and repair the stonework of the tower. Work was expected to last approximately 10 weeks. The decision was made to go ahead with the restoration programme.

Scaffolding work was started, which took about 2 weeks to complete. The stonemasons commenced their work at the beginning of March 2006.

Soon after work started, however, it was discovered that further repair work would be necessary. The extra cost of £2,860 + VAT was added to the original estimate.

The work was completed in mid May at a total cost of £104.000.

In September 2001 St Wilfrid's Church was closed for three months to allow essential repair work to be carried out. A refurbishment programme was undertaken. This included fitting a new lighting system and complete rewiring. A new heating system was also installed.

Scaffolding was erected inside to enable the work to be carried out. The five large paintings over the sanctuary were cleaned and restored by specialists. The walls were painted to add brightness and the ornate domed ceiling was cleaned.

Outside, in the car park, building work has recently been completed. The flower room has been redeveloped into a two storey block comprising of a boiler room, a toilet with disabled access and baby changing facilities.

A stair lift will provide access to the Upper Room (meeting room) from the sacristy.

The Church reopened on 22nd December, the weekend before Christmas 2001.

The parish of St Wilfrid is actively fundraising to meet the cost of the refurbishment. Please see how you can help us.