The appeal fund to restore an historic 1,000-year-old village church to its former glory has finally reached its target

Fundraisers at St Johns in Great Clacton have hit the £500,000 mark in just four years.

Now the final phase of the scheme - costing about £80,000 - to repair the chancel roof can be carried out.

David Smith, treasurer for the appeal fund, said it was a wonderful feeling.

"We have just been awarded a grant of £15,000 from Essex Environment Trust," he said.

"It means we can now finish the outside of the building, which was the main aim when we started. Not only have we been able to reopen the church for worship but it is also open during the week."

Mr Smith said the money had poured in from English Heritage, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Augustine Courtauld Trust, A&F Smith Settlement Trust, Allchurches Trust, local donations and cash raised by the church family.

When everything is in, it will bring the overall total to £520,000.

"It is a real success story and we would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this marvellous effort," added Mr Smith. "We are overjoyed with this further grant it is a real answer to our prayers."

Published Friday, June 13, 2003

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