THE oldest place of worship in Settle has been given an update.

Extensive work has been carried out on the 1678 Quaker meeting house, in Kirkgate, to eradicate woodworm, replace joists and flooring and strengthen the gallery.

The Grade Two listed building has also been rewired, the heating system renewed and ventilation improved.

A key aim for the Quaker group was to reduce the environmental impact of the building and it commissioned an environmental survey to look at how best it could be done.

Chris Petrie, clerk of works for the project, said: “Installing more efficient heating, reducing draughts and insulating the roof were relatively straightforward parts of the project.

“The really tricky issue was to provide silent ventilation while conserving heat. We did this by hiding a 21st century heat-exchange ventilation system in the 17th century roof space, using existing features to conceal the air ducts.”

To give an authentic finish at the end of the project, the paintwork was cleaned and restored to match the varying styles of graining and scumbling – painting wood to look like grained oak – that had been used over the previous centuries.

Paints and other materials were chosen, where feasible, for minimum environmental impact.

Funding was obtained for the work from The North Craven Heritage Trust, which, as well as being an extensive history source, also monitors planning applications and supports the conservation and repair of local churches.

A grant was also obtained from the North Yorkshire Aggregates scheme, administered by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust for the North Yorkshire Strategic Partnership. The scheme provides funding towards projects in communities directly affected by the aggregate extraction process.

Alison Tyas, a member of the planning group for the renovation project, said: “The endorsement of North Craven Heritage Trust and the support from the aggregates grant scheme and others really lifted our spirits as well as giving us much-valued financial support.”

The Quaker group has also extended its thanks to St John’s Methodist Church, in Settle, for allowing it to use the church hall on Sundays while the restoration and building work was carried out.

Everyone is welcome to see the completed work and learn about the history of the meeting house at two open days which will take place tomorrow (Friday) and Saturday, between 10am and 4pm. Refreshments will be available.