St Mary’s Church in Martham will be celebrating the new life that was made possible through the resurrection of Jesus Christ as well as a lease of new life thanks mainly through a £220,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The majority of this grant has helped return the historic building to being watertight, as the church was suffering from a number of leaks. The roof was repaired 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 greater range of people and activities can use the building 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 has also been provided through this grant.
The Revd Dr Steven Sivyer, the Priest-in-Charge said, “I am very excited about not only the opening up of the church building for services from Easter Day, but also 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 very grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for providing this grant which has enabled us to preserve the best of the past whilst helping it be used for the future.”
