Martham church reopens after repairs

Regulars at an East Norfolk church will have a double cause for rejoicing on Easter Day this year. As well as celebrating the resurrection of Jesus, they will also be giving thanks for the historic building’s lease of new life following essential repairs.

A grant of £220 000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund has enabled St Mary’s Church in Martham to become watertight once again, as the building had been suffering from a number of leaks. The roof has been repaired and gained new lead sheets, and the clerestory windows and surrounding masonry restored. 

In addition to various repair works, the grant has provided for the development of a comfortable space within the church where community groups can meet, so that a wider range of people can use the building and more activities take place once the pandemic restrictions are eased. Groups that have already agreed to start using the building include a breastfeeding group, a health group, and a brass band. Notice boards, guidebooks, tour guides and an audio-visual display have also been introduced.
 
The Revd Dr Steven Sivyer, Priest-in-Charge, said, “I am very excited, not only about the opening up of the church building for services from Easter Day, but also about the hope of the various new groups that will be using the building. This is truly a community building for the community’s use, and I am really grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for providing this grant, which has enabled us to preserve the best of the past whilst helping the building to be used for the future.”

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