Since the inception of the Friends in 2004 a number of projects have been completed, either wholly or partially funded by the Friends, some more vital than others but all with a direct benefit to the building or those who use it. To date, the Friends have contributed £102,257 in the form of grants to the PCC or direct expenditure for the maintenance and improvement of the church. • Repairs to clerestory windows. (2004) • The mullions on the clerestory windows were repaired to prevent further deterioration and rain ingress. (2005) • A new heating boiler was provided. (2005) • Window restoration. (2006) • Pew cushions were provided for the comfort of worshipers. (2006) • Repairs to pointing on the south wall. (2008) • The Friends provided the funds for the specialised and skilled work to repair the flintwork of the south wall to the right of the entrance porch. (2009) • Repairs to the chancel windows. (2010) • A serious incidence of dry rot in the north aisle has been treated. (2016) • A roof alarm has been installed to protect the leaded roof from theft. (2016) • Permanent mounting for the banner of the Women’s Section of the Royal British Legion in St Mary’s. (2016) • Coppicing of the yew trees by the Church entrance. (2017) • Relocation of the parclose screen to the organ loft. (2018) • Part-funding of the conservation of the Doom Painting. (2018) • Part funding of investigation to determine the causes of subsidence of the north aisle and cracks between the north wall and the tower. (2020) • Part funding of the replacement of dry-rot affected floor and substructure either side of the central aisle and installation of new cabling ready for the fitting of under-pew heating (2020). • Part funding of the modification of the pews either side of the central aisle to make them removable to improve the useability of the central area of the church (2020). • Part funding of purchase and installation of under-pew heaters (2022) • Part funding of re-roofing and repairs to the tower, purchasing and fitting new locks for main and bell doors plus repairs to the frames (2023). As well as material improvements, we have undertaken a number of initiatives to promote the church as the heart of village life. • Informative and entertaining talks in the church for children from the village schools. • We have also put on a number of concerts and other events in the church drawing people to the church from Bacton and surrounding villages who might perhaps not otherwise visit the church.
The Friends meet p e r i o d i c a l l y , a p p r o x i m a t e l y monthly, at 7:00pm, usually in the Community Room at the Church, to plan and organise fundraising and other events and to discuss funding needs. There is no fixed committee membership so if you would like to be involved just give us a call and turn up! For information on church events, service times and for contact details for church matters, please visit St Mary’s own website at A Church Near You. Next Meeting . The next meeting will be held on Thursday 8th February 2024 in the Community Room at the church starting at 7.00pm. Everybody welcome. Minutes of the last and all previous meetings can be found in the Archive . The Friends of St Mary’s, Bacton is a registered Charity No 1106579. By using this site you agree to our Terms and Conditions Site by Andy Last updated 5th February 2024
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