Six churches from across Yorkshire are celebrating this month after being awarded over £32,000 from the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust for essential repairs, conservation and maintenance works.
The future of many churches is under threat due to crumbling roofs, windows and stonework. The YHCT works to ensure these places of worship are kept in good repair, recognising the contribution they make to society at large and the support they provide to local communities, especially during the ongoing Covid crisis.
The funding provides a vital lifeline to places of worship who have been unable to carry out their usual fundraising activities over the past two years, and at a time when many are increasingly providing a number of essential services to local communities, such as post office services, food banks, homeless support, credit unions, as well as offering buildings that provide peace and comfort.
Funding was awarded to places of worship from both the Catholic and Anglican denomination, and included St Cuthbert’s, a large urban church in Bradford, St Mary’s in Hutton Magna in rural North Yorkshire acting as a food bank, and St Germain’s in Winestead, on the very edge of the East Ridings, a church steeped in history dating back to the 12th century.
In many cases, the funding was awarded alongside other larger national grants, which means the vital repair works can now begin.
Tom Ramsden, Chairman of the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust, said: “Thanks to the generosity of our Friends and donors, we have been able to support a range of places of worship, from Holy Rosary in Leeds built in 1937, to All Saints in Settrington, with an original tower dating back to the late 14th century.”
He continued: “Over the past two years we have witnessed the important role churches play in their local communities and now, more than ever, they need our help to ensure they remain standing from many years to come”.
The full list of churches receiving grants are:
- All Saints, Settrington, £6000 for tower and east window repairs
- St Cuthbert, Manningham, Bradford, £10,000 for repairs caused by water damage
- St Mary, Hutton Magna, £2000 for wall repairs
- St Germain, Winestead, £6,000 for roof repairs
- Holy Rosary, Leeds, £1500 for roof repairs
- St Mary the Virgin, Woodkirk, £7000 for window repairs