'Dangerous’ floor at medieval St Mary Magdalene Church
The floor in medieval church St Mary Magdalene in Medomsley, County Durham is rotting. Damaged and damp in places, it has become uneven and holey – a health and safety concern. Temporary plywood has been put in place, but more needs to be done to help stop this church succumbing to further water damage. One set of pews cannot be used.
The church is considered of national importance; it is Grade I Listed and dates back to the 13th century. It has survived and been part of the life of the local community for over 700 years. But recently its future has looked uncertain. Unless the issue is resolved, the building might have needed to be taken out of use or parts of the building would need to be roped off and not used.
Local people are bearing the burden of ensuring this church can stay open and in use. There is no consistent UK-Government support available to keep churches in good repair – even if they’re hundreds of years old.
Thankfully, help is at hand. The church is to share in a Christmas gift – an urgent pay out from the National Churches Trust – of more than £900,000 designed to keep UK churches open and in use.
On the recommendation of the National Churches Trust, the church will receive a £10,000 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation and a £10,000 grant from the Headley Trust.
This is great news for the church and ensures this much-loved local building can remain open and in use and able to serve the local community for many years to come. The important heritage will not be lost.
Not only will the floors be fixed, but the underlying issues concerning the underground drainage will be addressed, meaning the issue will be resolved for the long-term.
The church hosts many local community groups, including Art classes, Craft & Chat, Dungeons & Dragons. These groups, as well as the coffee mornings and ‘Warm Welcome’ Lunch, help battle loneliness and isolation in the area.
Once these repairs are carried out, the church will be an even more welcoming space for all.
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said:
"The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support St Mary Magdalene Church to enable them to carry out urgent repairs to their beautiful building. Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people.”
“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”
Paul Ramsbottom, Chief Executive of the Wolfson Foundation, said:
"Churches have a crucial role as places of worship – but they also serve as integral parts of our communities, and not least as custodians of heritage. We are pleased to continue our partnership with the National Churches Trust to help safeguard these important, beautiful buildings for future generations."
Malcolm Lumley, Church Warden of St Mary Magdalene Church, Medomsley:
“The grant support from National Churches Trust is vitally important in helping to repair and preserve our beautiful medieval church for the community of Medomsley. Grant funding for the nave floor and drainage project will help restore this historic church and make it safe for daily use.
We are very grateful to National Churches Trust and its partner organisations, Wolfson Foundation and Headley Trust, for their generosity.
St Mary Magdalene Church is a Grade I listed building, located in the centre of the village and is used for worship, Remembrance services, and by other community groups such as Art Club, Craft and Chat, Warm Welcome lunch.
The church has served the local community for centuries and we want to continue to use it for years to come. With this support, we are confident it will be.”