With all the recent good news about the tower you may be wondering if and when you can go inside it. The bad news is that in its current state, it is not safe for people to approach the tower or go inside. But this is TOCAG’s longterm goal – to repair the tower and make it safe for community use.

You may have noticed fencing up at the tower – this was intended to protect from immediate danger to life from falling bricks and cracked and shattered stone, especially but not exclusively in the upper stage and most worrying the entire south parapet that is cracked, detached from the roof slab and leaning out.

In November 2023 a volunteer group including families came together put the fence up, as well as a new banner explaining why it was necessary for everyone’s safety. Quite quickly the fencing came under attack – we are never sure why. On one occasion we were called by a group of ladies trying to quietly enjoy the churchyard but who were being harassed by young men who went on to throw themselves physically at the fence to try and push it over.  

On the Friday night before we cleared the tower of rubble the remaining fence was completely and systematically destroyed – every single panel ripped out, crushed onto the ground and completely ruined. There is no logic or purpose behind this – the ends of the fence were already open for anyone who was determined to walk around it.

It will cost over £800 to replace– which we must do for public safety as the tower is every bit as unsafe as it was in 2023, and probably more so. Not only does it cost money that could be put to better use repairing or improving the churchyard, but it is a frankly depressing drain our time and resources. Another volunteer group needs to be organised with transport to get it to the churchyard and put it up.

The good news is the tower can be repaired – it will just take a while, more funding, and a lot more help from people who love the tower. We thoroughly look forward to the day when repairs can be funded and organised, the fencing can come down, returning this beautiful place to its former unspoiled beauty and welcoming people into the tower to look round.

As an entirely volunteer-run charity, TOCAG welcomes your involvement, either as a volunteer or through donations.