A major £500,000 restoration project has begun at St Mary the Virgin, Holme-next-the-Sea, bringing renewed hope to a church community that has spent years working towards this project. Through determination, fundraising and the support of local people, the historic church is now set to receive the investment needed to preserve its future and strengthen its role at the heart of the community.
Scaffolding has gone up around the church’s historic tower and restoration work is now in progress, helping secure the future of the building for generations to come.
The scheme has been made possible through a combination of legacy giving, private donations, community fundraising and support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
For those involved, the project has always been about more than repairing stonework.
Ann Rossington, who has served as churchwarden for 25 years and plans to step down next year, said the fundraising campaign had revealed just how deeply local people care about St Mary’s.
Ann said: “It shows how much people care about the church.
“Everyone has always been involved. One volunteer has been doing brass rubbing for 60 years. Others help with washing up, events and all the jobs that need doing. It is about being part of the history of the church.”
The tower dates from around 1400 and remains one of the most recognisable landmarks on the north Norfolk coast. Standing 80ft 10in tall to the top of its pinnacles, it can be seen for miles across the surrounding countryside.
The restoration is addressing cracked and unsafe pinnacles, repairing historic brickwork and replacing the tower roof. Existing lead is being removed, melted down and reused as part of the project. The work is expected to continue until May 2027.
Despite having a small congregation, St Mary’s remains an important part of village life. Rachel Sinfield, one of the volunteers behind the appeal, said a message received after news of the National Lottery Heritage Fund award summed up the wider community’s support:
“I know we do not attend church, but we do really appreciate that the building is a beautiful feature of the village and feel joyful every time we arrive back to Holme after being away and seeing the church tower in the distance.
“I think that expresses well the support we have been receiving from villagers who do not attend church.”
The appeal has combined grant funding, private donations of more than £30,000 and community fundraising through open gardens, fêtes and raffles. Supporters will also host an afternoon tea to raise further money for the repairs.
The project also coincides with the appointment of The Revd Ginni Dear as Priest in Charge of the Hunstanton and Saxon Shore Benefice, which includes St Mary’s. She will be licensed by the Bishop of Norwich on 30 January 2027 and installed the following day.
Revd Ginni said: “St Mary’s, Holme, was one of the churches involved in the interview process for a new Rector for the benefice. It is a stunning building in a beautiful setting, where every stone seems to speak of the vibrant faith of the community around it.
“I was struck by the dedication and tenacity of the PCC, who pressed ahead with the demanding task of raising several hundred thousand pounds to restore the tower and secure the church’s future for generations to come, despite having no Team Rector.
“I am delighted to be joining the benefice in the new year and look forward to working alongside such a capable, positive and faithful team.”
Rachel Sinfield said the restoration reflects both the determination of local volunteers and the importance of hope in challenging times.
“The churchwardens are keeping the churches going. At times our resources have been stretched, but we are still here for everyone, whether they are churchgoers or not.
“The fact we have raised this money while we are in vacancy is fantastic. There is hope, but we take it a day at a time.”
With restoration work now under way and a new Priest in Charge preparing to join the benefice, supporters believe the project represents a hopeful new chapter for both the church and the wider community.
Watch this video to hear from churchwarden Ann Rossington and volunteer Rachel Sinfield about the community effort behind the restoration of St Mary’s tower, the fundraising campaign that made it possible, and their hopes for the church’s future as work gets under way: