Over the last two years, a major restoration of the shrine of the Assumption of Our Lady has been taking place at The Friars, Aylesford Priory, in Kent.

Two government grants have enabled major repairs to the roofs and the drainage of the 20th century gothic style shrine, designed by Adrian Gilbert Scott and largely built by Carmelites and volunteers. The roof repairs were completed by Ashford & Cranbrook Roofing.

Internally also, St Joseph's, the Relic Chapel and Main Shrine have all now been painted by Art Decor Kent Ltd.

The restoration of the Shrine continued with St Anne's Chapel. Since the beginning of May professional art conservators, Arte Conservation Ltd, patiently cleaned the graffito and skilfully restored its wall pictures from the damage caused by rain damage. For the first time in years, the original vibrant colours can been seen. The soft greens used by Kossowski symbolised 'the green freshness of Spring of Faith.'

Work has just been completed on the restoration of the carved statue of Our Lady of the Assumption by Michael Clark. It has dominated the shrine since it was erected on 8th September 1962. The statue received a major award from the Royal Society of British Sculptors at that time. The original wood, agba, an African hard wood, was splitting. This has been dealt with and the original gold leaf has been restored. The statue has not looked so vibrant and magnificent in years.

Later this year the Friars hope to restore some of the ceramics along the Rosary Way including a major project on the Scapular Shrine. They say: "All this important restoration work would not have been possible without the aid of grants and the generosity of our kind supporters to whom we are indebted."