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Most valuable items 'saved from Beachamwell church' after devastating fire, says Diocese




Most of the written records and artefacts housed in a historic church devastated by fire last week have been saved, religious leaders said today.

Work is continuing to assess the condition of St Mary's Church in Beachamwell following the blaze which wrecked the 11th century site last Wednesday.

But officials from the Diocese of Ely, which oversees the church, have appealed for public patience on what the future may hold.

The fire which devastated the St Mary's Church in Beachamwell (54665567)
The fire which devastated the St Mary's Church in Beachamwell (54665567)

The plea came in a statement released by the diocese this morning.

It said: "The Diocese of Ely is pleased to be able to confirm that despite the devastation caused to the roof at St Mary the Virgin Church, Beachamwell, the vast majority of the valuable items from within the building were unharmed and have been safely removed.

"We are pleased to report that virtually all of the written records are also safe. These records include the Marriage Registers and the current Burial Register and Service Book.

The Bishop Dagmar Of Huntingdon visits Beechamwell Village Church to give prayer and support after the devastating fire. (54700972)
The Bishop Dagmar Of Huntingdon visits Beechamwell Village Church to give prayer and support after the devastating fire. (54700972)

"Regrettably we do believe that the Baptism Register seems to have been lost, although the Service Book, which dates back to c.1970, will hold many of the details relating to baptisms held over this time.

"We can confirm that a Loss Adjuster has already attended the site, and we await further information from this, as well as other structural assessments as to the condition of the overall building.

"The immediate next steps will be to clear the church of debris, secure the building and determine with expert advice how to protect the walls and the remaining stain glass work."

The statement added: "We do please ask the wider community for their patience in the many questions and concerns they are understandably raising at the moment, as these are very difficult and challenging times for our local church volunteers and supporters.

"We hope that the local community and residents will join with the small group of volunteers to assist the Friends of St Mary's as they begin to think about the future of this ancient church."

The update followed a special service held in the shadow of the church on the village green at the weekend, which was led by the Bishop of Huntingdon, the Rt Revd Dr Dagmar Winter.

The Bishop of Ely, the Rt Revd Stephen Conway, is also expected to visit the village in the coming weeks.

The diocese said: "The Ven Hugh McCurdy, Archdeacon of Huntingdon and Wisbech and the Revd Dr Ian Mack, Assistant Curate in The Wissey Valley Benefice have been in close contact with the local church community since the fire, and both are enormously grateful to the hard work and dedication of the church volunteers and supporters during this awful time.

"We are also grateful to Historic England, who have been on-site offering advice, support and guidance."



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