Little Massingham concert featuring cellist Orlando Jopling to raise funds for St Andrew's Church roof

There is much excitement and anticipation for a special concert to be held at a village church.

It will feature the world class and highly acclaimed musician, Orlando Jopling.

The cellist has agreed to perform in a one night solo Bach concert on May19 in St Andrew’s Church, Little Massingham.

The church was subject to burglars stealing lead from the roof a few years ago, leaving the parishioners a cost of approximately £140k to raise in order to replace it.

They set up a charity Friends of St Andrew’s Little Massingham (FOSALM) to start fundraising events.

This unique concert is happening as a result of an initiative between FOSALM landowner Oliver Birkbeck and Mr Jopling

Mr Birkbeck said: “Ancient churches are part of our national architectural heritage and form a focal point in rural villages.

“They should be used more than just for church services on Sundays, and there are just so many opportunities for them to be used to bring communities together for educational, cultural and other purposes supporting local people. “This concert does just that, and it’s going to be a wonderful event.”

The Friends of St Andrews Little Massingham consists of individuals with family and other links to the church in the village, in order to help the local community with fund raising initiatives.

Terry Holloway, chairman of the Trustees for FOSALM, said: “We are working very hard to help and support local people in their efforts to keep this beautiful church at the heart of their community.

“Like so many other churches in rural communities St Andrew’s has suffered from decay over many years and a few years ago lost its lead roof to thieves.

“The maintenance and repair of Grade One Listed Churches is a complex and costly business, and we are delighted that this world-class concert in May will be raising much needed funds to support St Andrew’s.”

Tickets £25 on the door or visit www.fosalm.org