St John's Co-cathedral wind vane restored by MCAST after Storm Harry damage
Students and lecturers worked on a voluntary basis as a practical learning exercise
The wind vane on top of St John's Co-cathedral, which was damaged during Storm Harry, has been restored to its former glory by MCAST’s lecturers and students.
The Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology worked on the restoration of the south campanile wind vane as a practical learning exercise, giving students at the Institute of Engineering and Transport the chance to apply fabrication and repair techniques to a real engineering challenge.
The wind vane was dislodged during the severe weather which battered Malta on January 20 and suffered substantial structural damage when it fell.
After assessing the damage, MCAST carried out repairs within its workshop capabilities.
The intervention included welding and brazing works, the fabrication of replacement and reinforcing components, and repairs to the sheet metal panels that had been deformed during the incident.
Additional flanges were manufactured and fitted to strengthen the main central shaft, while damaged sections of the vane were carefully restored and realigned.
All work, which is almost nearing completion, was done on a voluntary basis by MCAST lecturers and students.
MCAST students and lecturers worked on a voluntary basis to restore the wind vane. Photo: MCASTThe project gave participants experience in structural repair, metal fabrication and problem-solving within a functioning restoration project, a statement by MCAST said on Friday.
The materials required for the intervention were supplied by the St John's Co-Cathedral Foundation.
MCAST principal and CEO Stephen Vella said such projects show the “value of vocational and applied education”.