The arrival of ….

A MEWP?
Yes, a MEWP. A Mobile Elevated Working Platform.
A cherry picker, surely?
No… as the Custos pointed out, it’s not the season to pick cherries, and this one’s a ‘spider’!

All will be revealed tomorrow, when the MEWP unfurls its legs and surveys begin.

But rewind to 8am this morning and the delivery of sectional aluminium trackways for the MEWP, then the measured survey team, with their laser survey equipment and drone. The Priory was a hive of activity as the buzzing whine of the drone became the backing track for the day.

But there was a ramp to be built, as the only way in for the MEWP was via the North Door, which has the Notorious Steps (which will be addressed by Project Light and Space). Dylan the Custos brought the sections of the MEWP access ramp from storage to the Priory (no mean feat in itself) and with help, assembled them.

Then it was a waiting game. Members of the Project Light and Space Steering Committee appeared, the architect appeared. Hopeful visitors appeared, but couldn’t be admitted. Consultation Groups happened in Church House. But where was the MEWP?

Map apps were consulted. Tea was drunk. Speculations were made about temporary traffic lights, about fuel protests, but still no MEWP and all the time the drone…droned.

A lookout was sent, time and again and finally, unlike the dove in the story of Noah’s Ark, did return…with news! ‘It’s here!’

The Project logos and that of The National Lottery Heritage Fund were attached to the MEWP and it gracefully made its way from the trailer, into the North Porch, and down the ramp into the Priory. A continuous ‘carpet’ of sheet timber was placed on front of it to protect the floor, providing healthy exercise for the enthusiastic volunteers.

Surveys on the MEWP begin tomorrow. This means that the Priory will re-open to visitors from Wednesday 15th April, but parts will be out of bounds (particularly the Chancel and N Transept and East End) for everyone’s safety. With the surveys taking place, visitors will be able to see the MEWP in action (from afar), not an everyday Priory sight.

Through the wonders of timelapse photography, you can enjoy the activities of today in under a minute, in the video below.