We need your help for our church - St Mary the Virgin, Depden.

The bell ropes have broken and the bells can no longer be chimed. Also the small pulleys need re-positioning to avoid the bells cracking. The clappers need their profile improved because they are worn. This is likely to cost in the region of £600. The ropes had been estimated at being over 100 years old. All money raised will be used for bell ropes and ongoing bell maintenance.

St Mary the Virgin church is the only public building in our small Suffolk village of less than 200 people. We regularly worship in the church. The bell ringing group needs the new bell ropes to continue to announce village events. The bells were last chimed for Remembrance Sunday 2018. Our financial resources are limited in our small community. The church meets core expenses each year but has nothing in reserve. The building is in good condition because of considerable rebuilding after a major fire affecting the nave in the 1980s.

We are committed to maintaining our unique church although St Mary's has historical limitations such as no running water or electricity and is sited in the middle of fields with footpath access. However we love it and benefit from the peace and tranquility of this remote setting for prayer and reflection and praise of God. We are a visible presence in the community.

Paul and Anne are running/walking 10k in March to help with bell rope funding. Anne will definitely be walking.

Any donations would be gratefully received. We are not a registered charity but donations can be gift aided by sending to St Mary the Virgin Parochial Church Council care of Lark Rise Depden Green Bury St Edmunds IP29 4BY.