National Churches Trust awards £8,000 towards roof Repairs
The future of St James church Colwall is big step further to being secured after a £8,000 grant from the National Churches Trust to fund essential repairs to the church roof.
The church has been at the heart of the community for more than 800 years. Today, it is not only used for services, including many weddings and funerals, but also a space for community events including concerts, festivals, fairs (local Artists and Craftspeople) and drama.
The work, which began in March, will allow the church to restore the badly crumbling roof stonework and enable us to add in crucial facilities, such as a toilet and a kitchen, to support the wider community use of the church while protecting the sensitive historic fabric of the church.
The church has been at the heart of the community for more than 800 years. Today, it is not only used for services, including many weddings and funerals, but also a space for community events including concerts, festivals, fairs (local Artists and Craftspeople) and drama.
The work, which can now begin in March, will allow the church to restore the badly crumbling roof stonework and enable us to add in crucial facilities, such as a toilet and a kitchen, to support the wider community use of the church while protecting the sensitive historic fabric of the church.
The building is a valuable heritage site for our village, with much local history linked with it through the people who have lived and died here, including MU founder Mary Sumner.
As well as an £8,000 grant from the National Churches Trust, the charity has also awarded grants from the Wolfson Trust and the Headley Trust. In addition, St James Church has received grants totalling £11,000 from the Herefordshire Historic Churches Trust, Lasletts Charities, the Benefact Group and the S & D Lloyd Charity to support the church’s vision.
Melanie Horton, Rector of St James Church, said:
“The work proposed at St James the Great Colwall will help develop a long-term vision for the church that will ensure the church can serve the community in so many more ways. This is the start of an exciting journey to secure the future of this historic church, to equip it for the 21st century and to ensure the church really can be open for all.”
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of National Churches Trust, said:
The National Churches Trust is excited to be able to support St James the Great to enable them to carry out urgent roof repairs to their building. Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will keep the church open and serving local people.”
“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”
