A service of thanksgiving was held at St Andrew’s, Mutford, on Sunday, September 11, for the completion of works on the tower.
The Society was represented by Nick Wiggin, and Geoffrey Probert, chairman of the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust.
The major repair programme of the tallest round tower in Suffolk was completed and the scaffolding was removed at the end of July.
The upper levels of St Andrew’s tower at Mutford looks almost as good as new, thanks to specialist contractor Ken Woodgate, of A & K Woodgate, Lowestoft.
An appeal to raise around £35,000 needed for the three-month repair programme was supported by a range of charities, including the Round Tower Churches Society.
It contributed £7,000 to foot the bill for the scaffolding. The Norfolk Churches Trust added £10,000, Suffolk Historic Churches Trust £5,700 and the Benefact Trust (formerly the Allchurches Trust until March) £2,000. A local councillor Craig Rivett gave £1,000 and a local community fund another £1,500.
In 2021, the upper levels of the round tower were found to be in very poor condition and in particular five faces of the octagonal belfry needed urgent attention. Brick infill in the 19th century was failing, and seeded trees and grass growing in the mortar were causing serious issues. The tallest round tower in Suffolk stands 66ft high and was feared at risk because of failing masonry. Last year, ‘Lyn Stilgoe, secretary to the RTCS, highlighted her concerns at the poor state of the tower and offered help..
Tim Twineham, who is churchwarden and long-serving secretary to the parochical church council, was delighted that the repairs have been completed. The work was finished in time for a wedding on July 30 and the bells could ring out again.
The service was held at St Andrew’s on Sunday, September 11 at 5pm.
Photograph, Tim Twineham.