A community in Suffolk is celebrating following the refurbishment of its 13th century church. St Mary’s Church in Tattingstone received a grant of more than £232,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to upgrade the building’s accessibility.
The refurbishment included constructing new toilet and kitchenette facilities, alongside leveling the floors for ease of access and a complete redecoration.
The church dates back to the 1200s and was a favourite of John Constable, whose sketches of the building are now proudly displayed in the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Churchwarden Linda Smalley said: “It’s been a very exciting time for the village. The church looks wonderful – we are thrilled. The church is a great asset for worshippers, but also for the nearby primary school and the rest of the village community. It’s lovely to walk in and see it as it is now - it has made a real difference.”
Villagers, joined by Archdeacon Rich Henderson, celebrated the completion of the project at the church on Saturday, March 28.
Additional funding for the church refurbishment came from donations from Lord Belstead and the Ganzoni Trust, alongside a legacy the church community had received.
The church secured funding for the project in April last year but much of the work was delayed until August due to a prior booking for a wedding ceremony.
One of the other main priorities of the project was having a water supply in the church.
Linda said: “Before the work was done, we had to bring containers full of water, cups, tea and coffee along to the church and then take it all home to be washed up. It’s so much easier now, it’s made a real difference.”
The kitchenette and toilet facilities now mean the church can host events more easily, including when inviting children from the village’s primary school for services.
Churchwarden Lyn Tomlinson added: “It’s been a lot of hard work, it’s been a bit like a full-time job in itself, but it’s been well worth it. The church looks spectacular, we’re so pleased.”
For a rundown of upcoming events at the church see tattingstonenextchapter.co.uk