Two years ago a large medieval roof timber collapsed onto the altar and the church had to be closed for several months for investigations.
These showed that the whole of the chancel roof (the eastern part of the church) needed repairing urgently. Temporary repairs allowed the church to reopen the church for now but, unless the roof is rebuilt by the end of 2022, it will have to be closed again.
Desmond MacCarthy (of Wiveton Hall and ‘Normal for Norfolk’) and Emma Bridgewater (of Emma Bridgewater Pottery) talk about why we need to save Wiveton Church.
Norfolk has the largest group of medieval churches in the world, an important historical legacy for future generations. These beautiful buildings, of which St Mary’s, Wiveton is a lovely example, contain a wide range of art and craftsmanship.
St Mary’s is in a beautiful position in the heart of the village on Wiveton Green and beside the bank of the River Glaven in North Norfolk. While it has always been and remains a place of worship and for quiet contemplation, it has become increasingly popular for community and cultural events, many of which are planned for the coming months.
Roger Bland, Lay Minister of the church said: “We simply cannot allow this building, with its medieval graffiti and its peel of six bells ringing out over the Glaven Valley and its fine architecture to close for the first time in more than 700 years. Many benefactors and grant-making trusts have pledged to support the restoration of this wonderful church and we have already raised a significant sum. We shall shortly be asking the Heritage Fund for a grant but we need to raise at least £25,000 through crowdfunding to support this application.”
Anyone who gives £100 or more will receive an exclusive Emma Bridgewater mug of Wiveton church.