We Have to Accept It

the supporting arm also made drilling difficult. The repair itself involved the use of a fast-setting polyester resin bonding to stabilise the brickwork. The area was then re-pointed and stainless steel pins grouted into diamond drilled holes to further hold the section of masonry in place.

The major part of the cost of repairing the domes is in getting access to them. The scaffolding phased in three stages, starting by the sanctuary and working back to the West doors, is a complex project in its own right. Restricted access is a serious problem, raising major Health and Safety concerns. In order to avoid disturbing worshippers and visitors, scaffolding has been constructed at night. So far the Cathedral’s normal daily cycle of Masses has been largely uninterrupted, with the exception of the 10.30am Mass which has had to relocate to the Crypt.

Dust control is anticipated to be a serious problem as the work gets closer to the Grand Organ, situated above the narthex. Additional protective measures will be implemented here.

The first dome has now been fully surveyed and the formal report is awaited. It is clear that the concrete to the lower section of the domes is definitely as bad as was anticipated and that some of its sections are threatening to fall. In the upper level of the domes the concrete is in better condition and more stable. So far the cracking between brick courses has not been identified in the main brick arches crossing the Nave, but it has been discovered in ten locations in the arches, running along the line of the gallery on either side. This is slightly beyond the working platform of the scaffolding which will need adapting to allow repair work.

There have been some delays in the works; these have mostly been stoppages for various liturgical reasons. The Cathedral Chaplains have done what they can to mitigate this. But the work is going on in a fully open public building with a life of its own. There has to be ‘give and take’ but it is far from easy.