Bramford: Let there be heat! Worshippers delighted as new boiler means they can have services in their own church again

Maureen Sillett, Stewart McGinty and Wendy McGinty celebrate the balmy conditions at St Mary's Church, Bramford. (Image: Archant)

The 30-strong shivering congregation of St Mary the Virgin Church were forced to meet in a different building during the winter months as the mercury dipped well below freezing and snow fell across the county.

But they are now looking forward to warmer days ahead in their own building thanks to the new equipment.

Priest in Charge Jenny Seggar said: “It is brilliant news and at long last, I have to say

“The congregation definitely aren’t feeling the chill so badly – it’s such good news for us.

“We can now use the church for other events as well which is good for the community.”

The last boiler sprung a leak that could not be patched up about two years ago but it was discovered that planning permission was needed to get new equipment in the grade 1 listed building.

Bat experts even needed to be called to make sure there were no species in the south porch, where the boiler has been placed, to make sure they would not be in danger.

Reverend Seggar, who likes to be called Jenny by parishioners, revealed services used to be held in the Church Room, a Victorian building near the church, when temperatures got too cold.

She added: “It wasn’t ideal but we all got to know each other very well.

“We hope to carry that same spirit back to the church with us.”

The new boiler, which was fitted about three weeks ago, was bought thanks to a host of fundraising events and church funds were also used.

More fundraising events are now being arranged to replenish the church funds.

Jenny added: “It has been quite hard work but there is still some more money to raise.

“I have got to thank the church staff for the extreme hard work they have put in to keep the church useable during the winter.