Church asks for community funding

The Grade I listed church needs major structural repairs to its roof

St Mary's Church in Feltwell is appealing for help in a bid to repair structural damage to its roof.

The medieval church, near Thetford, has been under-going repairs but a shortfall of money means they are now looking to local residents for help.

"We have had fantastic financial support from the local community," said Joan Horan, priest in charge.

Despite receiving English Heritage grants, the church repairs will cost a further £40,000.

St Mary's is a large parish church dating from a number of periods. Its overall character is medieval, but there have been major rebuildings and repairs in the past.

Large parts date to the 14th, 15th and 19th Centuries. The nave was remodelled in the late 15th Century following a fire in 1494, when the present roof with its carved angel trusses was installed.

Urgent appeal

Cambridge based Freeland Rees Roberts, the church architects, have launched an urgent fundraising appeal on behalf of the Parochial Church Council (PCC), to the local Norfolk community.

The appeal follows the discovery of more severe structural roof damage than previously feared.

In 2005 dry rot was discovered between the truss and the chancel wall. The rot was treated immediately, but it was clear that the slate roof covering was at the end of its life.

"Because the PCC lacked funds to commence the work straight away, we applied for a grant from English Heritage," said Christine Parker, church warden.

"A grant was provisionally approved in 2007, and this stipulated that further investigative work was required. This occurred in 2008. It was discovered that large timber scarf repairs would be required to the eastern most truss as well as to a truss in the north aisle," she added.

It was during that work, carried out in the summer of 2009, that the further damage to to the roof timbers was discovered.

Community rallied

The damage to the roof timber was worse than originally thought

As well as receiving several grants, the local community have rallied round and gone some way to raising the cash needed to complete the work.

"The Friends of St Mary's have raised £15,000 to date," said Joan Horan.

"We have also received a magnificent £164,000 from English Heritage through a combined scheme with the Heritage Lottery Fund, a very generous £10,000 from the Norfolk Churches Trust, £5000 from the Garfield Weston Foundation and £500 from The All Churches Trust," she added.

The additional repair work will add nearly two months to the current repair programme and they are now appealing for more financial support from the local community and beyond, as there are no further grants available.

The church needs to raise an additional £40,000 for more vital roof restoration, including repairs to the angel trusses.

"This roof, with its medieval angels, is historically significant. We need to ensure that the angels are restored to preserve the character of this significant Grade I listed building," said Joan.

"Any donation, large or small, will be very welcome. Thank you everyone who has generously helped fundraise and who continues to help preserve our church for future generations," she added.

Anyone wishing to make a donation by cheque should make it payable to Feltwell PCC and send it to 3 Barretts Lane, Feltwell, Norfolk, IP26 4AP.

Details on how to make a donation via Paypal and information about upcoming fundraising events can be found on The Friends of St Mary's website.