Beccles area church rethatched in coronation coincidence

Now in a royal coincidence, 70 years later Ringsfield's All Saints Church is having its roof rethatched just months after King Charles III's coronation.

The people of the village, in the peaceful setting of the Waveney Valley near Beccles, have helped raise money towards the £80,000 cost of the work.

Rev Mark Bee is delighted by the fundraising efforts made by people in the village to support the work to the historic roof.

Ringsfield All Saints Church is the oldest building in the village (Image: Sonya Duncan)

He said: "The church holds a special place in many people's hearts in the village, from celebrations such as weddings or where loved ones rest.

"Because of this people have risen to the challenge of supporting the job of replacing the roof and it is just amazing."

Ringsfield Church was last rethatched in June 1953, 70 years ago (Image: Archive)

First built in the 15th century, the church is by far the oldest building in the village and Mr Bee is "proud" to continue the tradition of thatching.

He said: "The thatched roof is great because it is a living thing, it is incredibly organic and a continuation of the past in the present.

"The reeds were only picked a few days ago so it feels as though the new roof is a living being, which goes right to the heart of the rural community."

READ MORE: What lies beneath... Repairs to start under landmark town mill to STOP IT FALLING DOWN

The Legget is a traditional thatching tool (Image: Sonya Duncan)

READ MORE: 'Dangerous' bridge at town's popular footpath will not be replaced for another year

Before work on the roof could begin Mr Bee had to bless the reeds and the legget, a tool used for thatching, and he also said prayers for the safety of the thatchers doing the work.

The lead thatcher is Nick Walker, who recently appeared on Countryfile and is "proud" to be working on such a huge job.

Mr Bee said "it is important" that the community are at the heart of the project and the more visitors the new roof can attract, the better.

Ringsfield All Saints Church (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Revd Bee blessed some of the reeds with baptism water (Image: Sonya Duncan)

Revd Mark Bee says it is important for the community to be at the centre of the project (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The Queen at her coronation in June 1953 - the year Ringsfield Church's roof was last rethatched (Image: PA)

The reeds were cut locally, and only a few days ago, so Revd Bee says they are fresh, organic and still living (Image: Sonya Duncan)

The Revd has urged people to come and see the roof (Image: Sonya Duncan)