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£75,000 restoration begins at Norfolk village church tower
2nd August 2023
The church of St Mary the Virgin in Hemsby is undergoing essential maintenance work until the end of the year. Picture - James Weeds
A Norfolk coastal village church is getting more than £75,000 worth of essential repairs following an eight-year fundraising campaign
Scaffolding is going up around the outside of St Mary the Virgin Church in Hemsby
The tower roof is in bad need of repair to prevent water from entering the interior and causing further damage
The church will also have much of its flint work repointed to ensure it can survive bad turns in weather
The restoration of the tower church of St Mary the Virgin is expected to be complete in November. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)
Areas of stonework on the tower have also suffered erosion by the elements and require restoration work to prevent further decay
The repairs will strengthen the tower's structural integrity and ensure the landmark will remain a viable building for current and future generations to use and enjoy
The Parochial Church Council (PCC) has been raising funds for the church's essential restoration works since 2015. So far, the PCC has raised £27,707
It has also been awarded 11 grants totalling £49,500 for the work
The grants plus fundraising means the work can go ahead
Workers were putting up scaffolding around the tower of the church of St Mary the Virgin on Tuesday. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)
A spokesperson for the PCC said: "We would like to thank everyone who has donated to the Tower Fund, and we have been extremely well supported by the village community and beyond"
The repairs are expected to be complete by November
The church dates from the early 14th Century, although there is mention of a church in the village in the Domesday Book
The building consists of a chancel, nave, and south porch in a decorated and perpendicular style
The church contains an east-facing window behind its altar which was designed for the parish by Caroline Swash and installed in June 1985
The church is open for regular services throughout the year and there is a car park available behind the Barn Room, which is directly opposite the church
If you would like to make a donation, visit www.achurchnearyou.com/church/2895
article courtesy of the Great Yarmouth Mercury
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