This year , the Churches Trust Forum Conference is open to Friends of the trust. Taking place on Thursday 19th May, this is a one day conference for charities assisting places of worship , as well supporters from a range of related sectors.
Early bird tickets are very reasonably priced at £30 for the full day including lunch and refreshments. Tickets have already been selling fast and are available online via http://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/events.
The day is essentially about sustainability. Speakers include internationally renowned Sarah Brown, stained glass expert; Dr Kate Giles, a buildings archaeologist who is widely consulted on public buildings (including their use – she is very much all about buildings being active in their communities and has worked with major national organisations on village halls); the Very Revd Dean Jonathan Greener, Dean of Wakefield ; Heritage Lottery Fund representatives and representatives from a major regeneration programme for 18 listed churches in Durham/Newcastle. The first Marsh Trust Awards for Innovative Projects Awards will be awarded, and there will be discussion groups and workshops in the late afternoon looking at partnerships, fundraising and identifying opportunities. The main programme will finish by 4.15pm.
After 4.15pm There will be a tour and history of the Merchant Taylors’ Hall and as a fitting close to the day York Minster is reserving some seats for those would like to go for Evensong at 5.15pm. The full Programme will run from 10.30am (registration will be from 10am) to 6pm, but people are welcome to join for part of the day.