Issue 38 Summer web 23 - Flipbook - Page 89
Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of the Wolfson
Foundation said: "As well as being places of worship and
buildings of beauty, churches sit at the heart of the
community. In many ways they stand between the past
and present. We are thrilled to continue our partnership
with the National Churches Trust to support the
preservation of these significant, much-loved historic
buildings across the UK.”
Keeping churches open
With over 900 churches on the Heritage at Risk Register,
and the Church of England facing a £1 billion repair bill
for its buildings over the next five years, many parishes
face severe challenges in keeping their buildings open and
in good repair.
To help, in 2022, the National Churches Trust made over
255 grant awards to churches throughout the United
Kingdom, with funding totalling more than £1.95m. In
2023, grants continue to be available to churches of any
Christian denomination that are open for regular worship
to fund urgent repairs, maintenance, installing loos or
kitchens and feasibility studies to develop projects.
Support for churches
Despite a decline in the number of Christians in the UK,
the public overwhelmingly support the nation’s 39,000
churches, chapels and meeting houses, according to the
findings of a new opinion poll commissioned by the
National Churches Trust.
Broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, our Vice
President, said: "With many churches facing a struggle to
survive, the latest grants are a tremendous boost to
congregations, heritage lovers and to many communities
in the UK who increasingly rely on the support provided
by churches.”
Key findings of the Savanta opinion poll, which surveyed
2061 UK adults online in December 2022 include:
Three quarters (75%) of UK adults agree that churches,
chapels and meeting houses are important for society as
they provide a space for activities and support for local
people, such as foodbanks and warm spaces.
"The grants help fund urgent repairs and installing
modern facilities including loos and kitchens. This safeguards important local heritage and keep churches open
and in use for the benefit of local people.”
A large majority of UK adults (73%) also agree that
the UK’s churches, chapels and meeting houses are an
important part of the UK’s heritage and history.
“The National Churches Trust helps hundreds of historic
churches each year and with the support of local people
keeps them thriving today, and tomorrow.”
Below, Arkengarthdale St Mary, Yorkshire
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