Following our last appeal for £25 000 to repair the roof and north wall of the Heacham Parish Church tower, we are delighted to share the latest developments in the next part of the restoration:

Now in 2023 we have activated the Bellcote and Bells project for our church, a Grade II listed building:

* Demolishing and removing the existing decaying bellcote on our church tower

* Building and installing a new bellcote from European oak

* Preparing to display Norfolk's oldest church bell, circa 1150; one of the most important church bells in Norfolk, of untold significance to the history of the church, and to Norfolk's heritage.

* Commissioning a new bell - with royal approval - cast with the Royal Warrant and inscribed to commemorate the Coronations of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

For more images of our church, bellcote and bell please click on the picture above.

As you will appreciate, the cost of this project is considerable. The price of the oak timber required has trebled over recent years, so as a general figure, we need to raise £35 000 for the bellcote and £5 000 for the new bell.

The work is urgent and only possible through fundraising. We will do our utmost to source historical and ecclesiastical grants and will hold fundraising events.

Once again we are asking for your support and contributions towards this important restoration venture and to help preserve this unique piece of Norfolk's heritage.

For more details and updates please go to our website www.heachamchurch.org.uk or our Facebook page @StMarysHeacham

We are very grateful for your kind donations enabling this vital work to take place.