St Mary’s Church in Gissing receives a much-needed grant
Gissing Church has a rare example of an Angel Roof, the church is dire need of renovations after part of the outside wall developed cracks which could lead to collapse. The Friends of Gissing Church, Church Wardens, Parish council and villagers are coming together to raise money for the work needed to preserve the ancient building. - Credit: Eastern Daily Press © 2016
A south Norfolk church has received a funding boost after it was given a grant by the National Churches Trust.
Members of the Friends of Gissing Church. The church, which is renowned for its beautiful ceiling angels, has received money from the Heritage Lottery Fund in recent years. Picture: Sonya Duncan - Credit: Eastern Daily Press © 2016
The Saxo-Norman Grade I listed St Mary's Church in Gissing, near Diss, has stood in the village for more than 900 years, but part of the building is in danger of collapsing.
Large cracks have appeared in the vestry wall and the cost of longer term repair work - in addition to having electricity, lighting and heating installed - has been put at £267,000.
The £5,000 grant means the church has now achieved their fundraising target which is needed to receive a £200,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
They will find out if they will get the HLF grant in July or August.
The lay vice-chairman of Gissing's parochial church council, George Hammond, said the £5,000 grant given by the trust is invaluable.
'There is no way that small congregations, or any size for that matter, can even consider finding that kind of money,' he said. 'It is marvellous news and we are very grateful for it and very pleased.
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'We now cross our fingers and hope to hear good news from the Heritage Lottery Fund. So far it's been an energetic and challenging journey and we look forward with anticipation to the next stage.'
Gissing church was one of three Norfolk churches to receive grants from the National Churches Trust.
The Church of St Margaret in Topcroft and St Mary the Virgin Church in Barningham Winter were both awarded £10,000.
Is your community getting together to help raise funds for a project? Email rebecca.murphy@archant.co.uk
