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As some of you
may know Fakenham Church was struck by the earth tremor
which affected numerous parts of the UK in 2008. Over 700
churches have been damaged and in Fakenham it was the
Reredos that was affected. About twelve large racks have
appeared and during the last few days the cracks have
increased in size. So next week scaffolding will arrive to
shore up the Reredos to avoid it falling. The area looks
likes a crime scene with red and white tape saying,
‘Danger’.
Having visited
numerous churches on our recent holiday I was made aware
that although we admire the medieval builders of churches in
the 13th and 14th century, it was the
Victorians who actually saved so many church buildings from
destruction. Any historical information you can find about
churches in the17th and 18th Century will show
you buildings in decline and churches with poor attendance.
Before the Victorians restored Fakenham Parish Church it was
in a sorry state and had a far smaller attendance than the
local two Methodist chapels.
The Victorians
are criticised for over restoring buildings, and creating
far too ornate structures, but in reality they saved many
churches from demolition.
The Reredos in
Fakenham is just one of hundreds of such ornate Victorian
monuments which have lasted well until now, but need full
restoration. Whether our congregation will be able to cope
with bright new gilding and restored paintings with the
whole structure specially lit, time will tell. I know that
it will cost about £26,000 which will be partly paid for by
the insurers but we will still have to find at least
£10,000. So if there are any kind sponsors out there would
like to help restore a beautiful 19th century
Reredos in a Grade 1 listed church please let me know ! The
Victorians left us an example inheritance and we should
thank God for their generosity, skill and foresight.
In many ways the
church of our day is going through another age of
restoration because every church in the Diocese has seen
some restoration in recent days. Congregation may be
struggling in places but the church buildings are in good
order.
If you want to
see the Fakenham Parish Church in all its glory then come to
the ‘Victorian Experience’ Flower Festival running from
Thursday 2nd October – 6th 10am – 5pm.
Over £2,000 worth of flowers will be used. It is going to be
spectacular.
I hope Her
Majesty Queen Victoria will be amused!
Adrian Bell
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