Update: First pictures inside St Mary's Church
FOLLOWING Monday's devastating fire at the Westry church, Citizen photographer Adam Fairbrother has been inside the building to document the damage.
The fire service described the church as "100 per cent destroyed" and the pictures confirm it.
All that can be found inside the historic building are the charred remains of the pews and font, barely distinguishable.
Work started yesterday to dismantle the roof, with workmen removing the remainders of tiles.
There was a poignant moment today as the cross was removed from the top of the church.
There are concerns that the steeple could fall if strong winds develop, as it is very unstable.
A bouquet of flowers has been placed at the lych gate, with the message 'Forgive them Father as they know not what they do'.
A letter has been sent out to parishioners from Rev Anthony Chandler, Rev Jenny Webb and church wardens George Payne and Sylvia Smith.
"Many of you have worshipped at St Mary's all of your lives, and others, who have moved here more recently, have also come to love the Church and its people," the letter says. "It holds so many memories for all of us, during both happy and sad times in our lives.
"We have received a huge number of messages from other churches and people in the town and further afield who want to assure us of their prayers and support and we are very grateful for this."
It goes on to say: "The fire has caused extensive damage to the building. Whilst the walls remain largely intact the inside of the building and the roof have been gutted, along with many beautiful objects such as lecterns, crosses, kneelers, the memorial book stand, the votive candle stand, and pictures.
"Many of these were given in memory of loved ones and, in some cases, were beautifully crafted by members of our own congregation. The Vestry has, however, been relatively unscathed by the fire and we have been able to rescue the silver ware, the church records, the robes, and the weekly reading sheets."
Usual services at the church will be held in the Parish Room.
A restoration fund has also been launched. If you would like to donate, cheques can be made payable to St. Mary's Church, March (Restoration Appeal Fund) and passed to one of the Clergy.
A Facebook group called Support for St Mary's Church, Cambs, set up by March man Chris Lorraine, has attracted over 1,100 members.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Wisbech
Thursday 17 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 8 C to 12 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 23 mph
Wind direction: North east
