Thank you to everyone who has been collecting the ‘Cash for Charities’ tokens from the EDP & Evening News. Please pass any remaining tokens to either Pippa Thurlow, Janet Rogers or Clive Evans by Thursday 8th July.

The Grade II listed round tower at St Mary’s Church in Surlingham, south of Norwich, dates back to the early 13th century and features six bells. However two of the bells, cast in 1381, cannot be rung because of structural issues within the tower including the corrosion of the cast iron frame inside the belfry caused by the expansion of internal ironwork and loose areas of external flintwork.

St Mary’s Parochial Church Council (PCC) needs to raise between £90,000-£130,000 for the repairs and the Surlingham Church & Poor Charity, which was formed centuries ago, is helping the appeal.

Derry Kelleher, chairman of the PCC, said: “The significance of St Mary’s Church has many dimensions. It has played a crucial role in the lives of Surlingham families. This work therefore requires urgent attention in order to ensure that the risk of any further deterioration or collapse is avoided.” He hoped that building work could start next year and the PCC will apply for various grants.

Read the full EDP article here.