We are pleased to report that a major restoration project, which has seen this church restored to its former glory, has been completed at All Saints, Wilby. This was a complex project with work taking place over three phases, and several years.
Phase I – urgent and minor repairs plus providing safe access to phase II activity.
Phase II – investigations, surveys, reports, and specification production.
Phase III – chancel roof re-tiling, chancel ceiling re-instatement, nave tie beams reinforcement, north wall buttress reconstruction, south porch repairs.
During this time the church was encased in scaffolding, so it was a joy to see the scaffolding removed, letting the light flood in.
The result of these extensive works will ensure that All Saints can continue to serve the local and wider community for generations to come.
Therefore, it was with great pleasure that people came together for a Thanksgiving Service at the church on Sunday 6th July, not only to see the work that has been done, but also to express gratitude for the generous donations from the grant awarding bodies that enabled the restoration, and also to recognise the professionalism of all the firms involved in the works which were led by architect Ruth Blackman.
Many of the people who attended the service had an historical connection to All Saints. Some had sponsored the installation of gilded stars on the newly restored chancel ceiling, symbolising family and to remember loved ones. These were created and gilded by David Orr who spent over two weeks on scaffolding within the chancel to complete this task. The stars were dedicated during the service by Reverend Sarah Walsh. A wonderful tribute.
The local community were delighted to welcome Reverend Canon Ann Easter whose connections with Wilby Church go back to 2022 when she presented All Saints, Wilby with the National Churches Trust Friends’ Vote Award. A chaplain to the late Queen Elizabeth II and with many real-world stories to tell, Canon Ann drew upon her BBC broadcasting experience to provide a highly informative address and highlighted the role of rural churches in supporting local communities.
The Norfolk Churches Trust is pleased to announce that it was one of the grant awarding bodies that supported this project, awarding grants totalling £19,000. Ian Lonsdale, one of our Trustees who is pictured here, was in attendance and read a lesson at the service.
Following the service the sunshine returned, and all were able to enjoy afternoon tea outdoors.
The blessing of the new roof.
