Three Norfolk churches share in £430k grant boost
Three historic Norfolk churches are among 77 across the UK to share in a £430,000 Christmas grants payout from the National Churches Trust.
St Mary, East Walton receives £20,000, St Martin, South Raynham receives £10,000 and All Saints, Marsham receives £10,000.
Broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, Vice President of The National Churches Trust, said: “The UK's historic churches and chapels are a vital part of our national heritage. But to survive, many need to carry out urgent repairs and install modern facilities. The cost of this work is far beyond what most congregations can pay for themselves and the latest grants from the National Churches Trust will help ensure that 77 churches and chapels are safe for future generations to enjoy.”
“In 2018 the National Churches Trust awarded grants of £1.2 million to help 202 projects at churches and chapels around the UK. Demand for funding continues to grow, with 583 grant applications received in 2018, up from 473 grant applications in 2017, a 23% increase.”
St Mary, East Walton
A £20,000 repair grant will help fund a project to urgently fix broken tiles, leaky windows and loose stonework, returning a 14th century Grade I historic building to sound condition.
The church is the only public building in East Walton and is used for village gatherings and parish meetings. The work will not only make it dry, but warm, too, by fixing a faulty flue attached to the coal burning stove that heats the church.
Rev Jane Holmes, from St Mary’s, said: “We are so very grateful to the National Churches Trust for its support. East Walton is a small village with less than 100 residents so it is a major challenge to raise the substantial funds required to repair our medieval church building. The work that can now progress will ensure its simple beauty and rich history can continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.”
St Martin, South Raynham
A £10,000 repair grant will help fund urgent repairs to the roof, stonework and guttering of Grade II* listed 14th century St Martin’s. There is no community hall for miles around and the project will allow the church to become a focal point for the area.
Rector Rev Edward Bundock, said: “The PCC is extremely pleased and grateful to have been awarded this generous grant which will enable us to do all the work necessary to bring our parish church into excellent working order as a place of prayer and as a focus for visitors. The church is a benefit to all parishioners and visitors and we look forward to the time when we can re-open the church and celebrate as a church and as a community.”
All Saints, Marsham
A £10,000 community grant will help fund a project to install a toilet and kitchenette at Grade I listed All Saints, to support the church in hosting community events.
The project will encourage a greater use of the church. The open space will be created by removing some of the pews, laying a tiled floor and introducing cafe-style seating. It will be used to host a dementia cafe, after-school clubs and children’s play groups.
Vicar, Rev David Hagan-Palmer, said: "The generous grant from the National Churches Trust will go towards helping Marsham parish church to remain a centre of the community it serves by providing facilities for a wide range of events from concerts to cafés and family activities as well as continuing to be a place of worship where people can come and spend time in reflection and prayer."
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust said: “Our income comes from individuals and charitable bodies, not from government or church authorities. So a big thank-you goes to all the supporters whose help has allowed the National Churches Trust to continue its work of keeping the UK’s churches and chapels in good repair, used by local communities and open for worship.”
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Pictured above is St Mary’s, East Walton. Picture courtesy of Simon Knott.