The works were carried out by Stonewest.

The clock face on the tower has also been refurbished. We are grateful to the Heritage of London Trust for a grant of £3500 to allow this work to happen. Public Clocks Ltd will carry out this work.

There have been many diverse efforts to raise the last needed funds for the project. One was a local business, Blackmans Shoes, which provided a bottle for donations since the start of the project. Looked over by Lee Knight (God rest his soul), who died in June, and his son Phil, nearly £1000 has been contributed to our funds. We thank them sincerely.

 

Ten members of the church, led by Claire Roff, walked in the Lake District to raise funds for the church. Conditions were very different. It was a sturdy effort, and we thank them for it. Here they are on day one:

 

 

And here they are on day two:

 

Pellicci's Cafe kindly donated a meal for four as a prize for a raffle for the final push to raise funds. It was drawn by Anna Pellicci at the cafe on Monday June 27. It was won by Paddy and Patsy of the Peacock Pub in Stepney. Thanks to all at Pellicci's and all who bought tickets.

A Quiz Night in aid of the Tower Project at the Bethnal Green Workingmen's Club on Friday April 1 and raised nearly £250. Many thanks. Have a look at the Home page or Notices for other events.

St Matthew’s seeks to keep the church in good repair and beautiful. That is because we believe by doing so – and trying to keep the building open as much as possible - we give glory to God and serve our local community.
It is thus part of who we are. That is in line with our Statement of Life and Mission, which can be found on the Parish Life page.

The challenges we face are many: the planned for upgrading of our hall has had to be put back because of urgent works to the tower of this historic 18th century church. This was brought to light last year at the same time as we rejoiced at the installation of pigeon defences. The birds had become a real pest and were leading to much damage and despoilation of the building.

The East London Advertiser carried a story - mostly accurate - about the tower in August 2010.

Under the care of our Inspecting Architect, Jon Bolter, we were fortunate to gain a £10,000 development grant from English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund. There followed a further grant of £60,000 after a successful Development stage.

We faced the challenge this by raising £30,000. The good news is that we are making progress - nearly £28,000 raised so far. But there the last bit we need.

It may be you would like to help us in this. You can do this a number of ways:

First, you can donate via BACS:

Sort Code: 40-01-18
Account Number: 61725785
Account Name: St Matthew's PCC (Tower Project)

or you can send a cheque made out to

St Matthew’s PCC (Tower Project)
c/- St Matthew’s Rectory,
Hereford Street,
London E2 6EX

If you are a British taxpayer you may want to Gift Aid your donation. If you would like this to happen, please say so in a covering note or letter or email.

Thanks to the Garfield Weston Foundation for a generous grant of £5000 for the project.

Likewise, we acknowledge with thanks a generous grant of £4000 from The Wolfson Foundation.

Thanks, too, to Allchurches Trust Limited, which has also given a generous grant to £4000.

Also, we have been fortunate to receive a total of £2000 from three individuals. We are touched by your support.

On July 10, 2010 The Giltspur Singers, conducted by Christopher Maxim, our Director fo Music, held a concert of music for a summer evening. It raised almost £700. You may like to hear some of the performances by the Singers, or soprano Adey Grummet, who also sang.

The school council of William Davis School, a near neighbour, designated our Tower Project Appeal as their 'good cause' for £55.00 raised on their sports day in July 2010. A big thank you to them all.