Funding boost for repairs of Mid Norfolk church
A £10k grant from the National Churches Trust will help protect a church in Mid Norfolk providing funds for crucial repairs.
The Grade II listed
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in
Marlingford, west of Norwich, has received £10,000 from the
National Churches Trust to tackle damage to the structure of the church and to help secure the bell tower.
Mark Pfeiffer, designated fabric officer at St Mary’s, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have received this grant from the National Churches Trust. Our beautiful church has been at the centre of this rural community for nearly a thousand years and it would be a major loss to this community if it fell into serious disrepair.”
The money will help protect the church, part of which dates to the 12th century and some of which was rebuilt in Victorian times, and the heritage inside: including stained glass windows which commemorate 20-year-old Marlingford Navy lieutenant Edward Travers Fletcher.
He was one of 15 people who died in the submarine HMS A8 in 1905, when it suddenly submerged off Plymouth Sound with its hatch still open during a training exercise. He is buried in the churchyard and the stained glass window in his memory, depicting Faith, Hope and Charity, was dedicated by his brothers and fellow Navy officers.
“All our residents recognise the history and importance of this building as has been demonstrated by so many villagers taking part in local fundraising activities to help secure the building’s future. Although we still have some way to go this grant really makes an impact to our financial position. We will now continue fundraising with renewed vigour,” said Mark.
The church continues to be open to the public every day.
This story orgionally appeared in the Eastern Daily Press
photo by Mark Pfeiffer