Kensington Parish News - Summer 2014 Jun. 2014 | Page 24

ST MARY ABBOTS ST MARY ABBOTS CENTRE TWO EXCELLENT SPACES FOR HIRE Central Kensington location in quiet cul-de-sac 5 minutes walk from Kensington High Street tube station and 8 minutes from Notting Hill Tube, in Vicarage Gate. EXPERT REPAIRS F Fr Gillean Craig reports on the restoration of the high altar reredos at St Mary Abbots or many years now there have been ominous – and developing – signs of cracking and subsidence in the lower part of the splendid marble and mosaic reredos that towers above the high altar. It was agreed that this had reached a critical moment and a comprehensive campaign of repair and restoration has just been completed. We found that the lower section, the ‘wall’ of alabaster blocks, had not been pinned back to the main East wall of the church, or even set against anything solid – just a series of rough brick pillars that were no longer performing any functional purpose. Victorian jerry building! Everything has been dismantled, cleaned and polished; a substructure of stainless steel beams pinned back to the main wall inserted, to avoid any further settlement; mosaic tesserae regilded, everything replaced securely and finally waxed. The altar, which had perforce to be used as a workbench, will be reconsecrated on Sunday 29 June. We think that the whole ensemble, now as fresh as the day it was made, looks absolutely magnificent, fitting backdrop to the mystery of the Holy Eucharist. We hope that you agree. 24 | 2014 Spring A venue for film and stage rehearsals, business meetings & seminars presentations or meetings, family receptions (not weddings), children’s parties Facilities include two kitchens, pay telephone, ample space for cloaks, disabled toilet, central heating, car parking (limited) with theatre hiring MAIN HALL(21 X 12 METRES) Holds 250 people LONG ROOM(14 X 4.5 METRES) Holds 80 people From £160.00/4 hours sessions Charity rate from £80.00 £60.00 surcharge for evening & weekends Information from: Adam Norton - SMA Centre Manager St Mary Abbots Centre, Vicarage Gate, London W8 4HN Telephone: 020 7937 8885 Mobile: 07812 428 010 Facsimilie: 020 7938 4317 Email: [email protected]