A FUND is being set up to restore a churchyard wall that collapsed back in January.

An estimated £30,000 is needed to rebuild the wall at Holy Trinity Church tucked away in the heart of Norton Malreward.

The wall collapsed blocking the neighbouring bridleway incurring nearly £2,000 in fees by Bath and North East Somerset which could increase if an extension is needed to complete repairs.

Church warden Claire Tibbs says specialist help from the church architect and a structural surveyor has been employed to determine the best scheme for a re-build that is both sympathetic to the setting and structurally sound, with hedger and stonemason Colin Clutterbuck appointed to undertake the work.

The local community has responded with offers of physical help, however for safety reasons the bridleway has not been accessible, Claire adds.

She said: “Volunteers, following the recommendation of specialist reports, have worked extremely hard to remove the trees and shrubs abutting the churchyard wall, with many thanks to the self-titled ‘Dad’s Army’ team that included Jock, Geoff, Stuart, Jim and Graham.

“Local landowners, Mike and Ash, have provided free access for the work to press ahead while also allowing horse riders a temporary alternative route avoiding the closed bridleway. The small church team feels very blessed by this support.”

Donations have already been received while the church council investigates possible grants.

Claire said: “One major initiative is a sponsor a stone scheme, with a suggestion of £25 per stone, which people may like to give in memory of loved ones.

“This sponsorship scheme is being introduced at the church on Saturday, May 30 from 2.30pm with a ‘Scones and Stones’ Cream Tea.”

New Bishop of Taunton, the Right Reverend Fiona Gibson, will be launching the scheme at the Cream Tea.

For further details contact church warden at: [email protected]