Timeline for the Life of the New Font

28th June 2002 - Much concern about the aesthetic state and safety of the old Font which now has a crack on its lip. Font expert, Andrew Ball MSc, visited and reported that, while the old Font could be repaired by conservation techniques, this would initially cost over £1500 and even more when the three rusted iron cramps were removed and internal damage assessed. The report recommends that it would be better to put the money towards commissioning a new Font for the Church.

30th September 2003 - Marilyn Smith offers to carve the new Font bowl.

September-December 2003 - Preliminary drawings by Marilyn for the Font bowl around the text, Matthew 5.16.

26th March 2004 - Presentation by Marilyn of preliminary ideas for the new Font after the Annual Parochial Church Meeting.

January 2005 - Sample limestone panel carved to demonstrate the character of the proposed lettering and decoration.

2nd February - Meeting with Michael Morris, representing the Diocesan Advisory Committee. Chilmark limestone proposed for the new bowl.

September-November - Marilyn carves scale model for presentations to PCC and DAC.

2nd December - PCC resolves unanimously to proceed with the new bowl.

11th January 2006 - Presentation of the model and plans at DAC: Approval given, suggesting the bowl is a carved little larger than originally proposed.

March - Roundel of Cumbrian green slate for the ‘river’ layer ordered by Marilyn from Francis Buchanan, Wandsworth. Cost £726.

2006-7 - A variety of local Fund Raising events and gifts – Barn Dance, Jane Austen Lecture, Bridge Lunch, Champagne Tasting:– including on   8th-9th July 2006, the ‘Harry Plunket Greene in Hurstbourne Priors’ Weekend; donations from Scottish Country Dancing, a number of very generous individuals, including the late Jean Baverstock and her family. Estimates for the cost are: £1875 for the bowl, £2130 for carriage and installation when finished, and removal of the old Font.

12th April 2007 - Delivery of the limestone, weighing about half a ton, cut and shaped by Wessex Dimensional Stone, from the Teffont Quarry, Chilmark, to Marilyn’s workshop in Hurstbourne Priors. Carving begins.

5th June - Faculty (legal) approval for the installation of the new Font.

August 2008 - Carving of the bowl and roundel completed, subject to finishing touches to be added in situ.

8th-9th September - Installation of the new Font in St Andrew’s Church by Richard Deane Stonemasonry.

17th September - Burial with prayers of the old Font in Hurstbourne Priors Churchyard.

28th September - Gilding finished. Dedication of the Font at Evensong.

5th October - First Baptism in the Font – Rufus James Adeney.

21st October - Blessing of the Font by the Bishop of Winchester, Michael Scott-Joynt.