‘Fund a Flint’ appeal to aid church

The old Victorian retaining wall behind Thorpe St Andrew’s much-loved Parish Church fell down in March 2018 and the church has tried various ways to get repairs paid for.

Now the Rev James Stewart is calling for a “once in a generation act of generosity” to help a fund-raising appeal reach its target.

“Our Victorian forebears’ enthusiasm to build a larger church (to replace the smaller mediaeval one) meant that they pushed the site of the church back into the hill,” he said. “This created the need for a very high (and steep) flint retaining wall. Of course, in days gone by, flint was seen as quite a cheap material. Now the engineering required to get into this tight site means it is very expensive. The total cost is about £110,000, with the amount still required approximately £40,000.

“Our normal fundraising efforts mean we are only able to meet our usual expenditure, looking after three buildings, large churchyard, paying a large contribution to the Diocese and meeting other responsibilities.

“This requires a ‘once in a generation’ act of generosity from all who know and love our parish church, through weddings, baptisms or any other connection.

“We are there when you need us and worked very hard in the pandemic with acts of kindness, community initiatives and live-streaming of our services. We now need all your help. Our Fund-a-Flint Appeal has already raised some funds and we are very grateful to Thorpe Players, private individuals and Thorpe St Andrew Trust, which, along with its generosity with its annual Warm and Wellness Fund, has given us a very generous donation.”

Further information is available from the Rev James Stewart on 01603 439160 or jstewart1971@gmail.com

HELPING HAND: The Rev James Stewart received a £200 cheque from Thorpe Players’ chairman David Watson to help with the cost of rebuilding the collapsed wall at the rear of St Andrew’s Parish Church.