You’ve Kept the Bell Ringing – Target Reached!
The Friends of St Mary’s Old Church are delighted to announce the success of their Keep the Bell Ringing Appeal. The initial target of £10,000, required to trigger the various grants needed for the Church restoration, has been achieved in the incredibly short time of 8 months. This is down to the hard work of the Events team lead by Jane Lloyd but even more to the generosity and goodwill of the community of West Bergholt who have wholeheartedly supported the appeal. We have seen great support for a wide range of events including:
- Mulled Wine & Pies,
- Coffee Mornings,
- Village Curry Lunch,
- Refreshments for Spring Flower Walk,
- Maytime Melodies, and
- Comrie Singers.
It shows how the village’s oldest building still in use for its original purpose, has an affectionate following in the village. Our grateful thanks got to all those who have helped by supporting our events and activities and made individual donations which has made the fundraising such a pleasure.
What Next?
We are now awaiting news from the Churches Conservation Trust as to when the works will commence. Contractors will first cover the building in scaffolding and the Church may not be open to villagers whilst the works are taking place.
We are not stopping in our endeavours. The Friends would like to install lighting in the building in a sympathetic manner. There are also a number of other matters which require attention once the roof and belfry are dealt with.
Once again a huge thank you to everyone.
Martin Long
Chairman Friends of St Mary’s Old Church West Bergholt.