Right: Hayden Ellis aka “Bob The Builder” with mum Kate

It seems like everyone is keen to help with restoration work on St Joseph’s Cathedral, and age is no barrier. This picture of “Bob the Builder” alias Hayden Ellis with mum, Kate, was snapped recently at a St Joseph’s Cathedral Mass. Hayden turned two on Christmas Eve and is already well versed in building and helps out around the family home where renovation works are in full swing. Kate said the recent holidays have been good grounding for the little builder who helped out as they tiled the bathroom, kitchen and painted the outside of our house. Hayden helped assemble his Thomas the Tank Engine bed. I also hear he ran around the back yard in his birthday suit and building helmet while the back fence was being built.

I am sure Stonemason Kent Roxborough and the various “tradies” who are involved in the restoration project will be pleased to receive a little extra help from Hayden as work progresses on the Cathedral.

The Diocese and the Cathedral Fundraising Committee are grateful for the response from everyone to the fundraising appeal and several hundred donations have been recorded to date. With a diocesan Catholic population of near 100,000; more are respectfully asked to become involved. This is a significant project and success will rely on everyone giving to the cause. In a recent message to the Diocese, Bishop Heenan launched an urgent appeal to the generosity of all parishioners and asked everyone to consider giving a donation soon or contributing a few dollars a week over the next few years. Every amount is helpful.

 Overall, the work project is progressing smoothly and in a timely manner. Removal of the existing pointing (grout for the non-technical) is now completed on both towers and the front wall. Scaffold has been erected along the western elevation of the building and removal of existing pointing material has commenced. The re-pointing work will commence in approximately three weeks.

Work has also commenced inside the Cathedral where deteriorated timber in the roof areas is being removed prior as part of the renovation works. Moisture is once again the major culprit. Plumbing and sealing work will eradicate this problem in the future.

An inspection of the stained glass windows will also be carried out by Hardman Studios (manufacturers of the original stained glass windows). This inspection will provide advice on future maintenace needs as well as assessing the present condition of the glass work.  

All these facets and attention to detail will ensure the building is preserved for generations to come and one that will reflect the pride and generosity of those who have supported the restoration project.

Michael Griffin

Right: Here’s an interested group enjoying a bird’s eye view of the Cathedral Renovations and surrounding scenery