Fundraiser launched to renovate Grade 1 listed Hadleigh church
They want to replace old heating and lighting systems
A community group in a Suffolk town are fundraising to help pay for renovations for a local church.
They say £70,000 is needed to get St Mary's Church, in Hadleigh, new heating and lighting - as well as a new floor and roof.
It's a Grade One listed building, where people have worshipped for more than a thousand years.
Emma Fleming-Owens has launched the fundraiser, and explains why: "Being the largest available indoor space in the town, St Mary's has grown to be the heart of the community, situated at the heart of Hadleigh...
As well as hosting a number of clubs and community events every week, she says it also "acted as a vaccination centre during Covid, has held English lessons for Ukrainian refuges...
"It goes without saying that there is also an overwhelming need for Baptism, Wedding and Funeral services."
Emma says the church needs a new floor and roof, but that these can't be fixed until the old heating and lighting systems have been replaced.
Those at the church want to install 14 infrared heating and LED lighting chandeliers, which will cost around £10,000 each, and is what they're currently fundraising for.
The chandeliers have been chosen, Emma says, because they are "in keeping with the beauty of the building and will not only prevent any further damage to the roof".
They also suggest the chandeliers will help the church become Net Zero Carbon, and produce savings of up to 63% on heating costs.