Repair works to get under way at St Andrew’s Church in South Runcton
A charity has kicked off a fascinating project to restore one of Norfolk’s oldest Victorian churches.
Following a closure of St Andrew’s Church in South Runcton, repairs will be getting under way through the Friends of Friendless Churches (FoFC).
The church languished by a busy roadside for more than a decade and was at risk of ruin before being adopted by the charity last year.
Members will repair the roof and stonework throughout the church to make it wind and weather-tight again, improve conditions in the churchyard to help keep the church dry, and carry out specialist conservation to its decorative carvings and historic interior.
When the work is complete, St Andrew’s will be open to visit and enjoy year-round, and available to use for events, community activities and occasional services.
St Andrew’s is a rebuilding of a ruined, roadside Norman church, and was one of the first Victorian churches in Norfolk.
That Norman church had fallen into decay by the nineteenth century. In 1812, Norwich artist John Sell Cotman sketched it as a crumbling overgrown ruin, the remains of its chancel arch partially buried by vegetation and its apse roofless and open to the elements.
On Thursday, November 7, the FoFC’s director Rachel Morley and architect Ruth Blackman will speak about the building, the work needed to salvage it and the group’s plans for its future.
This event is free to attend and will be taking place at Lynn Minster from 6.15pm.
Tickets can be reserved in advance but will also be available at the door. Visit www.fofc.org.uk/upcoming-events to find out more and book a place.
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