Regional Group working party in Feltwell, Norfolk

A group of volunteers and master craftspeople will gather over two days to repair an ancient churchyard wall at Feltwell, near Thetford. Every year we organise working parties to rescue historic buildings in need and teach practical craft skills. Building craft skills are in real danger of disappearing, and through events and educational work the SPAB aims to share its knowledge and nurture the craftspeople we need to care for our old buildings.

On 29-30 April, local volunteers will carry out works to stabilise and repair Feltwell’s churchyard wall under the guidance of experts. Feltwell’s village community is working with the SPAB and others, including students from the College of West Anglia, to maintain the historic boundary of St Nicholas’ church.

Resident and Parish Council member Sue Garland says: “This project will celebrate and support traditional skills such as flint knapping and the use of lime mortar, through the urgently-needed repair of our listed churchyard wall. Happily, it will involve the local community, supported by specialists and the SPAB. We are delighted and grateful to have been offered this opportunity.” 

St Nicolas, Feltwell is a picturesque treasure in its village setting on the edge of the Fens. The church is Grade I listed and built in a mixture of flint, stone, brick and regionally distinctive gingerbread-coloured Carrstone. Its chancel was demolished in 1862. The building now in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust and Feltwell Historical and Archaeological Society.