Villagers in Owslebury this week formally celebrated the reopening of their church after a four-month refurbishment project.

St Andrew’s Church was closed throughout the autumn of 2023 after a survey found major damage to roof timbers and ancient beams caused by deathwatch beetle and woodworm.

The deathwatch beetle is a species of woodboring beetle that can infest the structural timbers of old buildings.  The larvae of deathwatch beetles weaken the structural timbers of a building by tunnelling through the beams.

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Once professional pest control experts had treated the woodwork, the church launched a full-scale redecoration project, which included re-plastering with locally sourced specialist lime plaster. 

Hampshire Chronicle: Scaffolding throughout the church when refurbishment works were underwayScaffolding throughout the church when refurbishment works were underway (Image: Handmade Productions (Media) Ltd)

A strong team of 70 volunteers then set about redecorating the ancient Grade 1-listed building reaching parts of the building not seen in hundreds of years, including the roof timbers of the nave. The nave is the central open space with the main aisle and pews for the congregation.

The entire project cost £20,000 and is being supported by the National Churches Trust (NCT) where a grant application of £5,000 is pending.

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Rev Damon Draisey, Vicar of the South Downs Gateway Benefice which includes St Andrew’s Church, Owslebury, said:  "I am very grateful to our friends in Owslebury who supported this project so enthusiastically. It was a marathon undertaking however the results are spectacular and will safeguard the fabric of the church for generations to come.

"It was very special to welcome everyone back on Sunday for our formal reopening and the chance to say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to everyone for their support."