A CHURCH has received a boost in its efforts to raise funds for renovations.

The tower appeal fund was created by organisers at St Andrew’s Church, in Marks Tey, which is looking to raise £80,000 by the end of 2023.

 The tower is more than 900 years old with construction carried out in different stages - the bottom and top sections are 15th century and 16th century builds respectively.

Churchwarden Andrew Waters said “With an ancient building, there’s always ongoing maintenance work to try and get ahead of problems.

“We have oak shingles that are splitting and lifting, they’ve got repairs to do on the brick work and stonework.

“The building besides this is in quite reasonable condition.

“We’ve done work over the years to try and keep on top of things.”

By November, the tower appeal fund had reached £6,644 through individual donations and an open garden day.

Since then, the church has hosted a gift day and by the end of the year raised an additional £5,500 taking the total figure raised to more than £12,000.

Mr Waters added: “This week, a cheque was received from a couple who live in Billericay, they have relatives buried in the churchyard.

“We hope to have another open gardens event this year.

“This will involve a number of people opening up their gardens for folk to walk around and admire.

 “It is hoped that a significant portion of the monies will come from grants, but we are not yet in a viable position to pursue them.”

Mr Waters added although the current cost guidelines list the price as £80,000, high inflation means the church will not know the cost for certain until estimates have been obtained.

The church needs to raise more money towards the final sum of £80,000 to apply for the grants.

To donate to the appeal, contact church treasurer Yvonne Norman at yvonne.norman@live.co.uk.