£440k repairs completed to N Tuddenham church

Parishioners at St Mary's church, North Tuddenham are celebrating following completion of extensive repairs to the tower walls, foundations and drainage which started back in March 2021.

Concerns about the condition of the church tower had been expressed for many years with quinquennial inspections recording marked deterioration in the tower structure.
 
 In 2020, thanks to a generous donation from Historic England’s Emergency Fund, along with financial support from many other charities and organisations and fundraising by the villagers themselves, the £442,000 needed was raised and the work began.
 
Mike Smith, Fabric Officer, PCC Secretary and Treasurer, said “Like most visitors to St Marys, I was taken aback at the beauty of the interior and the heritage. No wonder Church Care nominated St Marys in the top 100 churches for its treasures. The tiled walls of the nave, the stained-glass windows throughout the church, the enormous east window, the recently restored tower window with medieval sections, the magnificent Victorian windpipe organ, and the amazing historical rood screens. So much to marvel at.”
 
Mike explained that Historic England quickly realised that the church tower was at severe risk of collapse. As a result, they became the lead sponsor with a very generous grant. The architect, the structural engineer, and the contractors were all part of a large team who pulled together to make the repairs happen, concluding on Wednesday 5 July when the restored stained-glass window was re-installed in the tower.
 
Mike said “Now that the tower is complete with a restored west window, we can enjoy the church again as a place of worship and a building fit for all the community.”
 
This story is based on an article in the Diocese of Norwich newsletter.

Do you have a news story or forthcoming event relating to Christians or a church in Mid Norfolk?  

If so, e-mail tony.rothe@networknorwich.co.uk with details and, if possible a suitable picture.