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Around Christmas 2005 it became very obvious that the church heating system, which is more than 100 years old, had a major leak somewhere. Problem was, nobody could find it!
As the leak became worse, a large hole was located in a pipe beneath the floor forward of the north aisle, where the steel pipe work had been buried in damp soil and rubble for many years.
The heating to the north side of the church was isolated, so that the remainder of the heating system could be used. Thankfully, the cast pipe work elsewhere in the church appears to be in remarkably good condition, despite its old age, so it is hoped that the recent leak will prove to be an isolated problem.
After many months of planning and applications for a 'faculty' (required for modifications to Church buildings), the heating system to the north aisle was being completely re-plumbed by TW Steam and Heat from Durham, who specialise in work to churches and other large installations.
As part of this work, the Victorian pews to the north aisle were completely removed to allow installation of the new pipe work, whilst four large cast iron radiators were re-located to provide warmth where it is most needed. Whilst this work was in progress, we also found that the joists supporting the floor had become rotten, so these too were replaced.
Replacement seating has now been provided adjacent to the pews in the Nave (or central aisle), leaving plenty of space for disabled access to the Vestry and toilet facilities, which have also been completely renewed.
The total cost of this work was around £12,000, half of which was contributed by the Friends of St Edmund's. Friends of St Edm | 
