WORSHIPPERS had a divine Easter with a difference as they were able to move back home to Great Malvern Priory after a successful community-backed Crowdfunder to restore it raised the £350,000 needed.
Renovation of the floor of the 1,000-year-old Priory was completed on March 21, meaning an Easter Sunday service could take place in the historic building.
A multitude of activities have helped generate the cash for the new floor, including Rita – the wife of the Priory’s vicar Rev Rod Corke – raising £7,000 by undertaking a daring aeroplane wing walk.
Other members of the community held a variety show and an auction.
The nave floor underwent work to make it level and address a 150-year issue which has seen the aisle to the altar flanked by wooden platforms, creating a safety hazard and limiting the use of the space for community activities.
The building has been subject to months of partial and full closures while the work was conducted, with several services held at the Malvern College Chapel.
The final service of worship at the College Chapel was held on Palm Sunday.
Ken Milloy, one of the craftsmen who worked on the floor, returned to the Priory for the Easter service.
Rev Corke invited the congregation to join him in a round of applause to thank Ken for his efforts to allow them to return to their beloved Priory in time for the Holy celebration.
Rev Corke said: “Ken and the other workers did a fantastic job and got the floor completed in time for the congregation to return ‘home’ for worship on Easter Day.
“A heartfelt ’thank you’ to all the workers and to all the donors who made this wonderful project possible.
“After the service, Ken was surrounded by appreciative members of the congregation.
“He was also introduced to some of the ‘Benedictine Bakers’ who had provided the workers with two cakes a week to make their tea breaks more enjoyable.”
