Wiveton St Mary church in Norfolk reopens after four years

Wiveton St Mary church closed in 2019 after a roof beam fell from its ceiling during a storm, causing damage to the chancel near the church's altar.

But parishioners rallied together to save the 15th-century church - raising around £300,000 to make the repairs. 

Wiveton St Mary church (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The church received funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as grants from the Norfolk Churches Trust, the Garfield Weston Foundation, All Churches Trust, and the Geoffrey Watling Charity. 

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The Friends of Wiveton Church managed to raise more than £70,000 - with a further £20,000 coming from a crowdfund backed by 'Normal for Norfolk' television star Desmond MacCarthy and ceramics designer Emma Bridgewater.

Saving Wiveton St Mary church - from left to right: Anthea De Loynes; Stephen De Loynes; Simon Burgess; Richard Lawry; Nicola Dempsey, Saul Penfold and Charles Killin (Image: Sonya Duncan)

King Charles also supported the project when he attended a fundraiser event put on by Music in Country Churches at St Margaret's Church, in Cley, last year, which was organised by the Friends of Wiveton Church.

Anthea de Loynes, chair of The Friends of Wiveton Church, said everyone is "delighted" to finally reopen the church.

Wiveton St Mary church during the repairs (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"It seemed like a hill we were never going to get to the top of when it all happened in 2019," she said.

"It's a special church in a unique position on the banks of the Glaven. It's a beautiful church and one that's loved by so many people far and wide. 

The repaired roof at Wiveton St Mary church (Image: Sonya Duncan)

"We've secured the church not only for ourselves but for future generations. That was the task we set ourselves, so it's wonderful what we've achieved - especially when there are so many churches closing across the country. 

"We live in an area where we're lucky to have people who care so deeply about churches, especially here in north Norfolk."

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Saving Wiveton St Mary church - from left to right: Anthea De Loynes, Charles Killin; Stephen De Loynes; Simon Burgess; Nicola Dempsey; Richard Lawry; Saul Penfold (Image: Sonya Duncan)