Gorleston church’s appeal to repair rotting floor

St Andrew's Church in Gorleston has launched an urgent appeal to raise £140,000 after investigations revealed that sections of its wooden flooring had severely rotted.

In August 2024, serious issues were discovered in areas of the church’s wooden floor. Further investigation revealed extensive rot, with some sections having completely disintegrated, posing a significant safety risk. To prevent further deterioration and ensure the safety of all who enter, the affected boards had to be removed to allow airflow beneath the floor. As a result, seating capacity within the church has been reduced to 50%.
 
The fundraisers at St Andrew’s said, “This has had a profound impact on church life. Accessibility has been affected, the visual beauty of the interior has been compromised, and the reduced seating has limited our ability to host larger services and celebrations. This has had an impact on weddings and seasonal services for local schools, affecting a vital part of the church’s ministry and outreach.”
 
The cost of repairing the floor, along with essential masonry repairs to the walls, is estimated to be £170,000, although £30,000 has already been promised towards the work on the floor, reducing the amount needed to £140,000. Any additional funds raised will be used towards future repairs. The church will also be exploring further grants for support.
 
St Andrew’s Church in Gorleston is a Grade II* listed building, with parts dating back to the 13th century. It is among the 300 largest and most historically significant parish churches in England. For centuries, it has been a major church of the parish, and it is believed that a place of worship has stood on this site since as early as the 7th century.
 
The church remains open for services on Sundays at 8am and 10am, Thursdays at 10.30am, and is open in the mornings Monday-Wednesday from 10am to 12pm.
 
The fund-raising page concludes, “If St Andrew’s holds special memories for you — perhaps you were married, baptised, or have found comfort and support here, or if this church has played a meaningful role in the life of you or your family — we would be deeply grateful for any contribution you are able to make.”
 
You can donate to the appeal on the official Crowdfunder page.
 
For more information about St Andrew’s, visit standrewsgorleston.org.uk
or on Facebook: St. Andrew’s Church Gorleston.
 
The images are courtesy of St Andrews Church.

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