Since the 1960's the balcony has been boarded. The work was, we understand, undertaken by a group of volunteer seamen from HMS Sultan.

Times and fashions change, and it was felt that the stark 60's look needed to be softened: memories of members of the parish alluded to interesting handcarvings on the balcony, and so a Schedule B faculty was sought for its restoration.

When this was granted, we were dismayed to see that the installation of the panels were effected by the hacking off of the collars of the carvings. Over a period of two months, Tony Warne worked tirelessly to restore these damaged features. A great number of other members of the parish assisted with the restoration of the wood and the carvings, sometimes in their own homes, and by December 2006, we are proud to unveil the balcony in a return to its former glory - further enhanced by the restoration of the relief of Our Lady which used to be on the back wall in a position which cover the former clock hole.

In the words of Mother Margaret "it shows that this parish has always had a devotion to Our Lady"

We hope to place a time capsule behind this relief for the benefit of future generations.