A COLLAPSED churchyard wall at Norton Malreward is beginning to take shape again after some ‘divine’ intervention.

Right Reverend Fiona Gibson Bishop of Taunton stepped in to help rebuild the wall by attending a fundraising ‘Scones and Stones’ Cream Tea at Holy Trinity Church in Norton Malreward on Saturday, May 30 and launching the ‘Sponsor a Stone’ scheme.

Fundraisers are hoping to raise £30,000 needed to rebuild the wall by having individual stones sponsored at a suggested £25 per stone.

The sun shone as more than 120 people from the local community came to support the project and enjoy a delicious cream tea under the shade of the yew tree attended by the Bishop, accompanied by the venerable Charlie Peer, Archdeacon of Bath & Wells.

More than £6,000 was raised towards the £30,000 target in just the one afternoon.

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 said: “The generosity of the local community, the parishioners and members of the Chew Valley East Benefice and beyond has been overwhelming.

“A steady stream of donations has been received since the event, with the amazing result of raising £25,000 to date.

"Local stone-mason, Colin Clutterbuck, is progressing well with the rebuild and is on target to have the job finished before further fees are incurred to extend the closure of the Bridleway, onto which the wall has fallen.

“A huge thank-you from Norton Malreward Parish to everyone who has assisted in every way to date.”

Donations are still being taken and anyone interested in contributing to the rebuild can contact church treasurer, Margaret Hasell, via email at [email protected]