WHEN DID YOU LAST GO INTO ST. MARY’S CHURCH?At one of the services over Christmas perhaps? Or for a family christening, friend’s wedding or funeral? Whenever it was and for whatever occasion, we trust you marvelled at the wonderful Grade 1 listed building that stands at the heart of our village and attracts so many visitors and tourists. How lucky are we to have such a beautiful church? Unfortunately such buildings need regular maintenance. In recent years we have had to repair the ruined Tower to stop flints falling onto the public path. Now we have an even bigger project – a major roof refurbishment to stop the increasing leaks which in turn are attracting death watch beetle in our roof timbers! Some of the roof has been there for over 200 years so it doesn’t ‘owe’ us anything, however the project costs are estimated to be in the region of £750K, so you can imagine that we will need help from the local community and beyond!WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!We are approaching local village businesses, groups and organisations to come to a meeting at the church on Thursday 13th February. Refreshments will be served from 19:00 and the meeting will begin at 19:30. The idea for the meeting is to explain the project; get feedback from the village about future uses for the church and ideas for fundraising; ensure that the project is inclusive for everyone to be involved.If you think the church, as a building as well as a place of worship, is an integral part of our village please do support this meeting by sending along someone from your business, organisation or group to make your thoughts and feelings known, and to be part of the important project to restore the roof for future generations.Please can you RSVP by emailing Fiona (fiona.trott13@gmail.com) or Liz (liz.digby@btopenworld.com) to let us know if you are able to come (for catering purposes) and if you are not able to attend on the night but are willing and interested to be involved with the project.
