Historic Church Resumes Carol Service Following Blaze

St Mary’s Parish Church in Beachamwell, Norfolk, a structure dating back 1,000 years, recently conducted its initial carol service almost two years following extensive damage from a fire. The blaze, which occurred in February 2022, caused “significant damage” across the entire building. Despite ongoing restoration efforts, over 70 individuals attended the service, marking a return for the congregation that had previously convened monthly on the village green. Tony Mills, the licensing minister, expressed his joy, stating: “Now we are back in the church in the house of God and it’s wonderful.” The fire’s origin was attributed to a spark from welding that reportedly ignited the thatched roof. Coincidentally, the 11th Century church had been on the verge of reopening, mere days away, following a prior incident in 2019 where lead was stolen from its roof. Mr. Mills reiterated his delight, calling it “absolutely wonderful” to be singing carols “in the right place.” He further commented on the historical context, noting: “In the medieval days it would have been a dirt floor and there wouldn’t have been glass in the windows, so we are back to where we were as much as 1,000 years ago.” Peter Berendt, the church warden, explained: “We have a carol service every year, but since the fire we have had to hold them in the village hall. “Now we have got the church to a state where it’s weather proof… it seemed we had a space we could use.” Although the church was accessible for this particular occasion, significant interior work remains unfinished. He specified that the ceilings still require restoration, the building needs replastering, the flooring must be relaid, and electrical and heating systems need installation. Berendt affirmed, “The future of the building is certainly looking bright. It has stood for 1,000 years and our renovations and restoration is designed to at least make it stand for another 1,000 years.” He added, “Once we’ve done it, we shouldn’t have any major costs to pay for at least 30 years.”