Nestled in the historic town of Newburn-on-Tyne, the Church of St Michael’s & All Angels is a true gem of North East heritage. With roots tracing back to the 11th century, this Grade I listed church has withstood fires, seen centuries of renovation, and even counted railway pioneer George Stephenson among its congregation. Today, its preservation continues thanks to the careful work of specialists like MGM Construction.
Currently, MGM is leading the repair of the church’s boundary wall, a vital part of the site’s historical character and layout. This restoration project not only reflects the team’s deep expertise in heritage masonry but also showcases the promise of a new generation of craftspeople.
Passing the Trowel: How MGM Is Nurturing the Next Generation of Stonemasons
A recent highlight from the site has been the involvement of Taylor, a second-year apprentice who is putting his training into action. Under the experienced eye of Heritage Contracts Manager, Craig Jenkins, Taylor has been entrusted with helping dismantle and rebuild three sections of the boundary wall—a task that calls for skill, patience, and respect for traditional methods.
Taylor’s steady hand with the trowel and eye for detail are earning praise from his mentors. His work is not only improving rapidly but also symbolising the value MGM places on nurturing talent and passing down time-honoured techniques.
A Wall That Tells a Story
The boundary wall itself is more than just stone and mortar, it’s part of the church’s living story. Past restoration work on the wall revealed human remains, believed to be linked to the church’s medieval burial grounds. That discovery, along with past challenges like fire damage, emphasises the need for sensitive and knowledgeable restoration, qualities MGM brings to every heritage project.
The wall is being restored using traditional stonemasonry techniques that honour its original form while ensuring structural longevity. Images from the site show the work in progress, with layers of weathered stone being methodically taken down, reset, and aligned amid the peaceful woodland backdrop.
Honouring the Past Through Skilled Restoration
Projects like this speak to MGM Construction’s broader mission: preserving the past, training for the future. Through hands-on learning experiences, apprentices like Taylor are helping ensure that the skills of heritage restoration endure, safeguarding landmarks like St Michael’s & All Angels Church for generations to come.
This is just one chapter in MGM’s growing portfolio of heritage and conservation work, and a testament to the company’s role as a custodian of our built history.