Landmark saved by EH grant

A HISTORIC landmark in the village of Bramford has been saved thanks to a £97,000 windfall.

Friends of Bramford Church launched an urgent appeal to repair St Mary's buttress, which was in danger of collapse.

The situation reached crisis point last summer after experts called a halt to the bell ringing and called for the area around the tower to be fenced off.

After the appeal reached the £10,000 mark English Heritage stepped in with £87,000, but £17,000 is still needed.

Delighted with the boost, Canon the Reverend Roger Dedman said: "It is a massive relief to get such a large input from English Heritage because without it we wouldn't be able to start restoration work.

"It means there is light at the end of the tunnel but still more money needs to be raised.

"However the grant means the amount we have left to raise is a much more manageable target.

"There are other public buildings in Bramford we could have worshiped in.

"But the church is a historic building and its positioning by the river means it is a major landmark in the Gipping Valley."

Most of the money raised was through the flower festival in September last year and the fund also received a further £1,000 donation.

Work is expected to start on the tower restoration project by the summer.

Meanwhile Friends of Bramford Church are holding a meeting on Thursday February 13 at 7 pm in the church room where further fund-raising ideas and support is welcomed.

On February 28, for one night only, the Well Made Theatre cast of Felixstowe are hosting the production of the Hunchback of Notre Dame in the church at 7.30 pm. Tickets are £8 with concessions £6. Tickets available by telephoning Rev Roger Dedman on 01473 741105.

If you would like to make a donation to help save the tower please send a cheque made payable to Bramford Parochial Church Council to Colin Elsdon, Treasurer 64 Cedarcroft Road, Ipswich.