Keeping the high-level gulleys and hoppers clear is essential on any building, in order that rainwater can drain properly away. Otherwise it can all too easily get into roof timbers, bringing the risk of wet or dry rot, and into walls, softening and cracking the stone.

The rooves at All Saints' are difficult to access, and safety harnesses and ropes are vital if work east of the Central Tower is to be done safely. Although this is a huge expense, the long-term costs of neglect are greater.

Here Alex from Wall Walkers Ltd is lowering some of the debris to ground level. The debris comprises pigeon droppings (25 per day per bird, on average), nesting material, moss washed from the slates, stone dust crumbling from the walls, and litter blown up from the street - and it soon builds up!

Organisers aiming to develop and improve Leamington's Old Town are planning a Christmas festival and are hoping to provide money to illuminate the iconic tower at All Saints as part of the festivities.

Earlier this year Leamington was one of 15 towns across the UK to receive money from the government as part of the 'Portas' scheme, with the aim of developing the Old Town for residents and local businesses.  The Christmas festival, which will take place on Sunday 2nd December, will involve street entertainers, musicians and street stalls in Regent Place.  Organisers are also hoping to provide funding to illuminate the tower at All Saints, which lies at the heart of the Old Town.

As is often the case, we are sincerely hoping that planning permission and deadlines will be achieved in time for this exciting project.

See the related article on the BBC News website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-coventry-warwickshire-20136540

For more information about the Portas project in South Leamington, see their website, or visit their facebook page.

Andy and his mate arrived promptly for 8.00am this morning and commenced the removal of the old South boiler. It has served the church and its people for well over thirty years but has cracked in two places and can no longer be used. It had to go.

An unusual evening on NightLight last night. Normally people come along individually or in small groups, but soon after we opened, a large group of 20 or so young people arrived and stayed for about half an hour. It certainly made it look like the place to be! 

In addition we had visits from a number of our regulars and from a large number of students new to Leamington. Those not dressed for the weather were glad to spend some time by the counter heater and have a hot drink.

Volunteers were from five different churches including All Saints. 

Excellent Harvest Supper in church tonight. We were all given a mystery name, stuck onto our back as a conversation starter. Superman, the Harvest Mouse, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Admiral Nelson are among those pictured. (Photo: Angel of the North.)
Copious thanks to the catering and washing-up team including Lorraine, Gwenda, Lorna, Fiona, Annabel, Ros, and Margaret W. Shepherd's Pie with vegetables followed by home-made apple pie with custard or ice-cream and tea or coffee brought a lovely autumnal day to a fitting close.

Although Anne has been Associate Priest for several years now, she'd never been formally Licensed to that role. Today Archdeacon John came to put that right. The Area Dean, the Revd Paul Manuel, also joined us.

The brief ceremony held in the Lady Chapel included the legal procedure, and prayers during which Anne was anointed. After the obligatory photos, we adjourned to the Cafe for a quick lunch.

Time has stood still for the last few weeks - at five past six - ever since the architect cast doubt on the safety of the clockwinder's staircase.

Whilst the treads themselves are fine, a couple of the wooden supports which anchor them to the walls have split and need some minor carpentry repairs. A skilled volunteer will carry out the work on Wednesday, and we can then re-start the clock.

A head for heights is vital. It's a long way down inside - and even further outside, visible through the windows!