Tower repairs completed at Mutford and the bells can peal again

A major repair programme of the tallest round tower in Suffolk has been completed – and the scaffolding was removed at the end of July.

The upper levels of St Andrew’s tower at Mutford looks almost as good as new, thanks to specialist contractor Ken Woodgate, of A & K Woodgate, Lowestoft.

An appeal to raise around £35,000 needed for the three-month repair programme was supported by a range of charities, including the Round Tower Churches Society.

It contributed £7,000 to foot the bill for the scaffolding. The Norfolk Churches Trust added £10,000, Suffolk Historic Churches Trust £5,700 and the Allchurches Trust £2,000. A local councillor Craig Rivett gave £1,000 and a local community fund another £1,500.

In 2021, the upper levels of the round tower were found to be in very poor condition and in particular five faces of the octagonal belfry needed urgent attention.

Tim Twineham, who is churchwarden and long-serving secretary to the parochical church council, was delighted that the repairs have been completed. The work was finished in time for a wedding on July 30 and the bells could ring out again.

A special service will be held at St Andrew’s on Sunday, September 11 (5pm) to mark the successful repair programme. All will be most welcome.