We are raising money to restore and repair the roof of the beautiful church of St Mary the Virgin, Pulham Saint Mary, Norfolk. It is central to village life with the village taking its name from it! Past and current generations enjoy its beautiful paintwork, ceilings, rood screen and stained glass windows. Many families have loved ones buried in the churchyard. Countless couples have married here and had their new born babies Christened here. It is steeped in local history - but we want it to be in good condition for the next generation to love and enjoy, as we do. The last major restoration was completed in the 1800s, so another is long overdue.
After the lead thefts eight years ago, we are still pushing to raise enough money to have the roof replaced. The water damage over those eight years has damaged the plasterwork, paintwork, woodwork and stonework of the South Aisle, Vestry and Porch.
The South Porch of the church is one of the finest and most beautiful in Norfolk, yet has much of the roof missing, several leaks and active beetle and woodwork in the supporting beams. Leadwork on the main part of the church and tower is also failing because of age. Stones are litterally falling off the tower because of water damage.
Our priority is to put a new roof on the church, making it watertight. Then we will seek to restore and reppair the damage to walls and paintwork. Finally, we will restore the crumbling stone work.
Money raised will fund this essential work and keep St Mary's open for the next generation of Christians and villagers, pilgrims and visitors.