The Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust has launched an appeal for new Friends to help local churches affected by the impact of Covid – 19.
Yorkshire has over 2500 places of worship. From tiny chapels and village churches, to commanding Minsters, these magnificent and much loved buildings define the landscape and bring together communities.
They offer congregations a welcoming, warm and friendly place to worship, host a wide range of social groups and offer facilities for local communities across the region.
However, due to the financial impact of the coronavirus shut-down, many are really struggling to meet their ongoing maintenance and repair costs.
Tom Ramsden, Chairman of the YHCT states: “Although most churches and chapels are still currently closed, keeping on top of the basic maintenance is essential to preserve the fabric of these precious buildings. With summer fayres, coffee mornings and community classes cancelled, new ways of raising funds need to be considered”.
Tom continues: “Now more so than ever these buildings need our support. By becoming a Friend of the YHCT you can help us ensure Yorkshire’s places of worship have access to funding to help with their repairs and maintenance”.
Thanks to the generosity of donors, many local churches have been supported by the YHCT, including St Michael and All Angels in Middleton Tyas, which has received £5000 over the last 18 months to help with essential repairs.
Wanda and Simon Reynolds, from Bedale explain their decision to join the Trust: “We have been Friends of the YHCT since it was established in 1988 and have enjoyed taking part in many visits across the region. We really enjoyed the study afternoon at Everingham, visiting the parish church and private chapel, as well as a tour of the Hall, which is not usually open to the public. In the past we have participated in Ride and Stride, raising money for both our local church and the YHCT. We are proud to be able to do our bit to help support Yorkshire’s churches, ensuring they stay at the heart of local communities”.
By becoming a Friend, or making a donation, you can help the YHCT fund urgent repairs to churches and to ensure they can continue to offer a welcoming place to worship.
Membership is £35 per year for an individual and Friends enjoy a wide range of benefits, including invites to a variety of church tours, lectures and social events.
As featured in the Northern Echo https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/18636302.call-friends-support-churches/