£77,000 grant will help historic church reopen (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

£77,000 grant will help historic church reopen

2:48pm Wednesday 30th January 2013 in News By James Dwan

A HISTORIC church that dates back to the 14th century could reopen this year following a vital £77,000 grant.

The grade two-listed St Mary Magdalen Church, in Thorrington, is one of 34 in the region that have been handed a share of the £3.6million Heritage Lottery Fund money, which is administered by English Heritage.

The church has been closed for almost three years after large lumps of plaster started to fall from the ceiling. The tower is also in vital need of repair as masonry is crumbling.

Rector the Rev Pauline Scott said: “We are thrilled to get the grant. It has taken some time, during which we have been worshipping in the village hall. Our next step will be to get an architect to prepare specifications.

“We have already raised about £30,000, but our best guess is the work will cost £130,000, so there is a way to go, but there are a number of other organisations who can help. We would very much like to be back in the church for Christmas.”

The grant will enable repairs to the nave and aisle ceiling where the 19th century plaster is coming away, as well as repairs to the tower.

The historic church is thought to incorporate Saxon masonry and reused Roman tiles, and the west tower dates back to the 15th century.