Last updated at 10:08, Saturday, 31 May 2008

The Reverend David Tembey looks to the skies through the exposed stone arch of Holme Cultram Abbey as he ponders an experience that started off with sadness and despair – but is now one filled with optimism and hope for the future.

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Holme Cultram, where he has been part time vicar for eight years, has stood at the heart of the community in Abbeytown for centuries.

Not only that, the abbey is one of north Cumbria's most famous landmarks, described by a judge as “a national treasure”.

But all that history and heritage came under threat when arsonist Shane Walker, of Silloth, recklessly started a fire that destroyed the abbey on June 9 2006.

The devastating actions of Walker, who was jailed for four years, is best illustrated in the shocking pictures taken after the blaze, displaying charred remains of roof timbers, silverware, bibles, prayer books and pews.

The fire caused an estimated £2 million of damage to the 12th century abbey, which is a grade 1 listed building. It was founded in 1150 by Cistercian Monks.

But today, as swallows dance between the new church trusses and white doves coo outside the abbey doors, the green shoots of recovery can be seen.

Mr Tembey said “I got over the sadness of the fire very quickly.

“Nothing happened for a long time while we cleared up, had plans drawn up and endless meetings about what we could and couldn’t do.

“We’ve seen action in the last year and now it’s more a case of looking forward than looking back. It is sad what happened but the place has got a new lease of life now.”

The roof, which cost £600,000, is made of English oak and has a separate tier above made of larch and then tiles on the top.

Builders had to look across the world for materials after it was discovered there was not enough seasoned English oak in this country for the new roof.

Mr Tembey said: “There is a tendency now that the roof is finished to rush, but what we do now affects the next 500 years.

“The roof and bells were the first stage. We need to sort the floor and the stone arches and the stained glass windows. Some of the stained glass will need to be sent away to be re-leaded, re-soldered or replaced.

“Realistically I reckon it will be another two years before it’s finished. I don’t want to rush it. I want it to be right.”

An archaeologist has been digging under the abbey floor to see if it is possible to install underground heating.

The congregation has met on site for services since the fire in a small chapel off the main abbey.

Mr Tembey said: “It’s small and people have been forced to sit together but it works. Last week we held the service in the abbey for the first time but that was a one off as we’d had a wedding here the day before.

“The bride didn’t mind scaffolding. She had the church decorated with flowers and we provided lots of altar cloths. There were about 100 people here.”

Another wedding, with about 30 guests, will be held in the abbey later this month.

Mr Tembey would like to transform the little room above the church door into a study centre for children.

The second anniversary will be a low key affair.

“We might have a service of thanks but we have no grand plans,” said Mr Tembey.

PMcClounie@cngroup.co.uk

First published at 09:19, Saturday, 31 May 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk