Over the last 900 years, St Nicholas Church has been buffeted by wind, rain, snow and hail, and has stood the test of time remarkably well. Now, however, it is showing its age.

None more so than the windows, which are all in urgent need of repair.

The lead lights are in a state of decay and are leaking, which is allowing water to damage the internal plaster.

The stonework around the windows is very badly weathered and is in urgent need of specialist attention.

North Elevation

The large Gothic Window opening in the North wall is late 14th century. It has an 18th century timber window inserted, which has a mullion and two rere-arches to form two Lancet windows.

The stonework and timber window are in need of attention.

The lead lights also need refurbishing.

The timber cill and lower part of both jambs are badly decayed and must be renewed or repaired.

South Elevation

The stonework of this 14th century Gothic Window is in such a bad state it will have to be rebuilt.

How much will this work cost?

The Architect has put this work out to tender from a number of approved companies that specialize in listed buildings refurbishment.

The best estimate he has received is between £35,000 and £45,000.

Its impossible to obtain a fixed quotation as no one knows what lies in wait behind the outer stonework.

How will we raise the money needed?

We will be making appeals to grant-making bodies such as Friends of Essex Churches and English Heritage.

But we hope to raise the majority of the funds needed from our year-round programme of fundraising activities, including coffee mornings, coach outings to places of interest, and talks in the church and church hall.

We really need your help!

Please come and enjoy our fundraising events. We would also ask you to consider joining the Friends of St Nicholas, so we can keep the village heritage for present-day use and future generations.

If you would like to make a donation to the Window Appeal, it would be gratefully received.