A MASSIVE fundraising initiative to help restore a 13th century church in Ipswich kicks off this weekend.There is a lot of work to be done to restore St Mary and St Botolph Church, Whitton Church Lane, Whitton, as its last major refurbishment project was 25 years ago.

A MASSIVE fundraising initiative to help restore a 13th century church in Ipswich kicks off this weekend.

There is a lot of work to be done to restore St Mary and St Botolph Church, Whitton Church Lane, Whitton, as its last major refurbishment project was 25 years ago.

The church restoration appeal is being launched by a fundraising concert, Musique, Chanson et Lumière, which is being held at 7.30pm tomorrow and Sunday night.

It is thought the restoration will cost in excess of £300,000, which will include replacing the eroding buttresses which support the structure, rebuilding the east wall of the church and replacing the window in the west wall.

Reverend Andrew Dotchin, the church's vicar, said: “The years catch up even with the most attractive of buildings. Our particular challenge is defined by the wonderful good neighbour window in the west wall of the building. This marvellous piece of art needs to be removed and repaired.

“With a building which has been renewed and rebuilt several times, we know that when the window is removed for refurbishment most of the wall which holds it will start to crumble.”

Every five years churches across the diocese receive a visit from architects to assess what work needs to be done. About 25 years ago, there was a new roof put on the church and the foundations were underpinned.

The concert in the Victorian church will be packed with popular numbers from some of the best known West End musicals. There will also be music hall sketches and songs from the 1940s to the 1980s, all performed by artists from across East Anglia and further afield.

Tickets are available by calling 01473 741459 or 01473 832197.

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