Renowned designer urges people to help save church

Ceramic designer Dame Emma Bridgewater has backed a medieval church's fundraising campaign to stop it from falling into further disrepair.

St Mary's Church in Wiveton, near Blakeney, Norfolk, dates back to 1306, but it needs its towering windows replaced and expensive building repairs to prevent it from deteriorating due to leaks.

Dame Emma, who lives locally, is helping to lead efforts to raise an initial £25,000 and described the riverside church as a "massive community asset".

The Reverend Jonathan Dowman said: "It's been a few hundred years since the windows were last done, and it just so happens to fall upon this generation to repair the windows for another couple of hundred years."

The main part of the church was completed in 1450, with the windows last undergoing major work in Victorian times.

However, they are now letting in so much water that St Mary's organ - built for the 1851 Great Exhibition - has to be covered up with Tarpaulins.

It was estimated that the work for 10 windows would cost about £180,000, while the church's architect has said up to another £320,000 was required for repairs to the roof, guttering and drainage.

It's the second time Dame Emma has helped to raise money for the Grade I listed church, after a huge oak beam crashed from the roof onto the altar in 2019.

"It never ends," she said. "It's a building which I see not just as a house of God, but a massive community asset."

"Keeping the rain out and the gutters flowing... is a continuous operation... so please, please will you think about how much you'd miss this church if it wasn't here or it had to close its doors."

Speaking in a crowdfunding video, the ceramicist added she feared unique features such as a 15th Century graffiti of a ship etched into the church's walls would easily be lost if rain continued to leak in.

Dame Emma could also be seen speaking to architect Ruth Blackman, who said the work to replace the distorted glass, corroded iron supports and deteriorating stonework needed to be completed urgently.

"We really want to be repairing these windows while the stonework is intact rather than on the floor," said Blackman.

Dowman, who took up his position as Glaven Valley rector in August, told BBC Radio Norfolk that some of those pledging money to repair St Mary's would receive a special edition Emma Bridgewater mug, featuring the church, and paid tribute to the businesswoman's "generosity".

Those pledging £125 will receive one of the mugs, while those willing to commit £250 can also have their family name etched on a small pane within a large window.

He said the stained windows had proved "pretty good value" but "we've got to do our part for the next 200 years".

Dowman added the new windows would be made from clear glass to make the most out of the "beautiful, beautiful light in north Norfolk".

While it was hoped members of the public would donate money towards the £25,000 appeal by November, the diocese also intended to apply for grants to help cover the overall cost of the building works.

More than £3,000 has been pledged since the fundraiser was launched last month.

Last year, St Mary's hosted King Charles III as well as the Church of England's eco conference.

It holds services every Sunday, regular musical and cultural events, and welcomes 300-strong congregations at Christmas.

"It's an active building for people in the community," added Dowman.

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