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However, within a few days, incensed by the incident, the community came together to raise nearly £25,000 for repairs through a fundraiser by Rev Paul Hamilton and volunteer Astrid Gillespie.
The money has also been put towards additional security measures and to fix a priceless stained-glass window damaged during the unlicensed music event.
The inside of the church as police found it on the night
- Credit: Essex Police
The church grounds were covered in mess
- Credit: Essex Police
Police who arrived at the rave say the partygoers locked themselves into the church and then threw things at officers.
But bodycams on their uniforms were recording and meant every person who came near was captured, now singled out to be circulated and identified.
Astrid Gillespie and Reverend Canon Paul Hamilton outside All Saints Church
- Credit: Church Conservation Trust
Two volunteers who spearheaded a campaign to repair a historic Essex church after an illegal rave have been recognised with a national heritage award.
Astrid Gillespie and Reverend Canon Paul Hamilton sprung into action after the illegal rave at All Saints Church in East Horndon, near Brentwood, caused significant damage to the building.
Essex Police seized equipment and made three arrests at the unlicensed New Year s Eve event, but a major clean-up operation was required after revellers trashed the Tudor church.
The pair spoke with the media and launched a fundraising drive by advertising a Just Giving page via Facebook.