Churchcare

News Archive of older items




Open Churches Event - Gloucester, 27 April

(21/02/12)

Book your place now!

 

On 27 April St Andrew's Church Centre, Churchdown, Gloucester will host 'Building the Future' - an Open Churches Event co-organised by the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division and the Diocese of Gloucester.

 

To see details of the location and download a flyer for the event please click here - Open Churches Gloucester

 

For more information on the exciting array of speakers and activities, and to book, please click here - Open Churches Gloucester - Booking Form

 

Please feel free to pass this information on to colleagues and contacts.




Design a Church Chair!

(07/02/12)

Important updated information.

We are delighted with the interest that the church chairs competition, announced in early January, has generated so far. However in response to helpful observations from leaders in the field, we have made some small amendments to the competition.

 

These are as follows:

The aim of the competition is to seek well made, affordable seats for use in our church buildings. This is a unique opportunity to create a chair that will earn the affection and respect of ours and future generations.

 

We're looking for innovative designs that combine comfort, durability and style, yet maintain sympathy for the historic interiors of our churches.

 

The competition documents have been updated, please ensure you download the relevant application form and have referred to the Applicants Notes.

Church Chair - Notes for Applicants

Church Chair - Application Form - Category 1

Church Chair - Application Form - Category 2

Church Chair - Application Form - Category 3

 




Upcoming Open Churches Event

(30/01/12)

Our next event will be 'The Urban Church and Social Action' to be held on 16th March at Christ Church, Fenton, Stoke on Trent.

For more information and to book click here


One-off capital grant: £18,500 for each diocese

(25/01/12)

Government offers £781,000 capital grant to the Church of England for use on new works in listed parish churches in 2012-13.

 

Thanks to a sustained campaign by the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has announced a special one-off capital grant of £1.1 million for all listed places of worship in the United Kingdom, 71% of this is allocated to the Church of England reflecting our churches' take-up of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme in the last two years.

 

We are very aware of the problems created by capping and other changes to the new Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme and although this one-off capital grant doesn't compensate we hope it will help one or two new projects in each diocese aimed to make church buildings more amendable to their congregations and communities.

 

In each diocese, DACs will select one or more projects for grants, likely to be:

Parishes should put their proposal immediately to DACs, who need to register the diocese's proposals with the Church Buildings Council by 30 March 2012.




Joint project is solving church bat problems

(13/10/11)

A joint project by Natural England and the Church of England, researching how to deal with the serious heritage and conservation issues around bats in churches has set off to a flying start.

Most churches have resident bats, which often go un-noticed, but serious problems do occur in some churches - and can be exceptionally difficult to resolve. Natural England and the Church of England have joined forces to create the Bats in Churches Working Group to raise awareness of the issues. The project aims to provide those responsible for church buildings with guidance and advice on how best to manage resident bats, including how to deal with legal obligations.

 

A leaflet produced by the working group outlines research projects currently underway, designed to improve understanding of bat behaviour and explore ways to minimize their impact on church buildings and congregations. One such project, funded by Defra and conducted by the University of Bristol and the Bat Conservation Trust, focuses on developing practical, affordable ways to deal with urine and droppings from Natterer's bats in churches.

 

A Norfolk-based pilot project set up by the group, invited local environmental consultant and bat expert Philip Parker to survey bats in churches across the area. As a result, new techniques to encourage bats to migrate to other parts of affected churches are being explored, as are the use of bat boxes in the eaves outside churches.

Loss of traditional woodland habitat and intensive agriculture has seen bat populations decline dramatically in recent years and many species are now far less common than they were - some, such as the greater mouse-eared bat, are on the brink of extinction in the UK. Colonies have been driven to seek refuge in more permanent structures - and churches not only provide bats with large open spaces, but also represent a constant feature in a fast-changing modern landscape.

 

Natural England's Regulation Director Janette Ward said: "We know what a serious issue bats can cause for churches and we have no wish to see congregations inconvenienced in their worship. I am delighted with the progress which the working group is making in producing pragmatic solutions to address the requirements of church users and bat conservation laws. The lack of solution to date has been a real threat to wider bat conservation and the church buildings affected and I hope that we are able to make use of the exciting research projects currently underway to further build on this success."

Anne Sloman, Chair of the Church Buildings Council who leads the working group said: "I am delighted that the church is reaching a better working relationship with Natural England. We can only offer serious practical help to congregations who are suffering from the problems caused by bats by working together. The research projects are important because, although they offer no instant solution, the more we understand about bat behaviour the easier it will be for Natural England to grant the licences which we apply for. Often it's not a case of banishing bat colonies but encouraging them to move to less intrusive parts of the church or indeed to bat boxes outside."

 




Citizen Advice Bureaux in a church near you

(06/09/11)

Citizen Advice Bureaux are setting up centres in church to help meet the advice needs of rural and isolated communities.

With a Christian presence in every community the Church of England along with other denominations, is ideally suited to provide homes for local CAB centres.

 

A new guidance document called Faithful Advice  was published this week provide helpful information for churches keen to tap into this new venture.

 

CAB advice plays a vital role in helping ensure people are not disadvantaged by a lack of awareness about their rights or responsibilities. Advice can increase income, help bring debt under control, prevent homelessness, improve health and tackle poverty.




Metal Theft - Home Office e-petition

(06/09/11)

Sign up now to protect our national heritage and end metal theft

 

An e-petition is being hosted on the Home Office site now, and you can sign up to voice your opinion.

 

The petition calls for an amendment to the Scrap Metal Merchants Act 1964, to make cash transactions a thing of the past.Prohibiting cash transactions would make payment by cheque or directly into a bank account mandatory and would be a significant component in reducing metal theft.

 

To sign the petition click here: https://submissions.epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/406




CCB Conservation Forum 2011

(22/08/11)

Disasters: prevention and management, Southwark Cathedral, November 2011

Understanding emergencies, their likely sources, the greatest risk, what to do during an emergency and how to
recover afterwards are all key elements of avoiding and, should it happen, managing an emergency or disaster.

 

This Cathedral and Church Buildings Division seminar will introduce all the key concepts, with practical examples of their implementation.

 

Date: 22 November 2011
Venue: Southwark Cathedral
Cost: £65 (including VAT)

 

For an agenda and further information click here -Conservation Forum November 2011




Results of Heritage Lottery Fund's consultation released!

(15/08/11)

Over 2000 people took part in HLF's recent consultation which will help shape their strategy between 2013 and 2019; two consultation questionnaires were sent out and each received around 1000 responses from individuals, organizations and networks.

The response was strongly positive towards supporting heritage funding; with 87% agreeing HLF should continue to support the full breadth of the UK's heritage.

 

The results of the more detailed consultation revealed widespread endorsement of HLF's approach to working at a local level, small and medium sized grants programmes and a strategic policy of working towards a single goal (identified as ‘making a positive and lasting difference for heritage and people'). ‘Respondees' were also in favour of giving priority funding to cases of heritage at risk whilst cautiously supporting the notion of HLF being more engaged with digital media and the issue of climate change.

 

For more detailed analysis of the consultation and HLF's plans for the future click here




Churchcare Summer 2011 eBulletin - Out Now!

(26/07/11)

Download the hot-off-the-press eBulletin from the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division

Inside our Summer 2011 e-Bulletin you can find out about the range of work and initiatives being undertaken by people who care for, conserve and use church buildings. We have updates on our current campaigns, as well as a information on upcoming events and the latest news from the world of historic churches. Click here for the latest eBulletin Summer 2011.


You can read about the Division's ongoing fight againt metal theft, find out about funding, including an update on the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme, and learn how to go green with our Shrinking the Footprint campaign. For all this and much, much more simply click here - eBulletin Summer 2011


We hope you enjoy this update from the Cathedral and Church Buildings Division. Please feel free to forward it on.




The Marsh Awards for Heritage Craft 2011: open now

(04/07/11)

The Heritage Crafts Association (HCA - a member of the Alliance) and the Marsh Christian Trust have launched two new Awards for the heritage crafts sector.

 

The Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the exceptional individuals that contribute so much to our rich living heritage, to encourage the conferment of skills from one generation to another, and to acknowledge the great work that volunteers do to raise the profile of heritage crafts across the UK. This year there will be two Awards, each with a prize of £500 - one for Trainers, and one for Volunteers.

 

The winners will be announced and presented with their cheque and certificate at the HCA Spring Conference, in March 2012 at the Victoria & Albert Museum. The deadline for both is 31 October 2011. For full details of each Award, and information on submitting nominations, click here. 




New solar panel guidance available now!

(30/06/11)

The guidance note pulls together the current advice into one document and can be downloaded below.

solar panel guidance note




Conservation Symposium - October 2011

(21/06/11)

The Challenges of the Conservation of Artworks in Churches - 11 October 2011, Westminster Abbey, London

 

The Church Buildings Council is organising an international forum to discuss the complex issues that impact on the conservation and display of unique artworks in churches. This event is an opportunity to reflect on conservation projects currently being carried out in various European countries. Our aim is to promote wider discussion within the sector and share best practice.

 

The Symposium will be chaired by Anne Sloman OBE, Chair of the Church Buildings Council, and it will be hosted by Westminster Abbey. The programme includes a tour of the Abbey with visit of current projects (including ongoing works to the 14th century Coronation Chair and the recently conserved 13th century Cosmati pavement).

 

Please note that due to the size of the venue and nature of the event, places will be very limited. Early booking is strongly encouraged.

 

For more details or to register your interest click here - Conservation Symposium




‘Love It, Fund It, Keep It’

(16/06/11)

Fundraising and Partnership Building @ Carrs Lane Church Centre, Birmingham on 12/10/11 - now FREE of charge!

 

Do you want to... become a confident steward of your building? Learn how to write a maintenance plan? Find out more about funding and partnership building? Then this is the event for you!

 

The events runs over a full day with a wide spectrum of speakers,  with lunch, coffee and a warm welcome, and it's all absolutely FREE of charge.

 

For more information and to book click here - Love It, Fund It, Keep It




Developing your Community Café - book now!

(02/06/11)

There are still some spaces available on this course which runs between 6-8 June 2011.

The course is for any group that have just set up a community cafe, or those that have been running one for some time and want to look at it afresh.

 

It will help you consider ways that you can make your cafe vibrant, viable and sustainable.

 

The course will cover:

The course is £20.00 per person to all volunteers in the UK. 

If you would like to book, or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact Claire on 01244 300246 or mc.lawton@traffordhall.com.

 

Trafford Hall
Ince Lane,

Wimbolds Trafford,

Chester

CH2 4JP

Url: http://www.traffordhall.com/




Before Lifting the Pencil

(12/05/11)

At the recent Crossing the Threshold event in Norwich architect Brian Haward talked about the architectural challenge of working with listed buildings and gave some advice on producing a good brief. Read his talk here - Before Lifting the Pencil




Renewable Energy Guide for Rural Communities

(06/05/11)

The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) has worked in partnership with Action for Communities in Rural England (ACRE), the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) and the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) to produce a guide to help rural communities interested in generating renewable energy locally.

Get Generating:A Renewable Energy Guide for Rural Communities, gives an overview of community based renewable energy options for community groups, local councils and individuals.  It provides a starting point for rural communities to take the next step in planning and delivering their own renewable energy developments.




Get your nominations for the Big Society Awards in now!

(04/05/11)

The deadline for nominations in this quarter is May 23rd at 6pm.

Set up by the Prime Minister in November 2010 the Big Society Awards focus upon three specific areas:

Twelve winners are decided each quarter and then announced once a week throughout the year.

 

The Award itself has several aspects to it. The winners each receive:

 

Further details: http://www.number10.gov.uk/bigsocietyawards

 




May edition of The Gatekeeper......

(03/05/11)

download it here


Crossing the Threshold - East

(18/04/11)

The Diocese of St Edmundsbury & Ipswich joined forces with the Diocese of Norwich on 6 April for East Anglia’s first Crossing the Threshold conference, CtT East.

 

To find out more about this fascinating day please visit the mini-site hosted here

 

The site includes case studies, presentations and all the findings from an enlightening day in the spectacular setting of the Hostry, Norwich Cathedral.




Calling all DAC Bell Advisers...

(12/04/11)

June meeting - dates and location confirmed

 

The next meeting of all DAC bell advisers will be held on Wednesday 8 June 2011 at Southwell Minster.

 

Representatives of the CCCBR Towers and Belfries Committees from each County/Diocese are also invited to attend.

 

Click here for an agenda and more information:

 

DAC Bell Advisers Meeting June 2011




Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme - changes announced

(31/03/11)

DCMS announces amendments to scheme from 1 April 2011

In an announcement highlighting significant changes, including a fixed budget for the scheme, The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have sought a solution which is "as easy to administer as possible, is fair, and which achieves the widest possible spread of benefit."

 

We still do not know the exact amount available for the full year 2011/12, but it will be much reduced from the estimated £24m in payments for 2010/11. Previously we were advised the likely maximum budget would be £12m annually over the next four years, but it looks likely that some of the large increase in payments for the final part of 2010/2011 will count against the £12m for 2011/12.

 

Reduced payments anticipated

Inevitably payments will not equate to the full 20% of VAT being reimbursed for each claimant. At the moment we do not know what each grant rate will be.

 

From 1 April 2011 the following conditions will apply:

 

Quarterly fixed budgets

Payments will be made once per quarter. The total budget for each quarter will be distributed, but the payments will vary depending on how many applications are received each quarter. This is to ensure everyone will receive some form of payment and that all available money is used. 

 

What is eligible?

Professional fees and repairs to organs, pews, bells and clocks remain ineligible.

 

Invoice expiry dates

The application process will remain the same but DCMS will not accept claims where the supporting invoices are more than one year old.

 

All claims received up to and including 31 March will continue to be processed under the old scheme, although many payments against these claims won't be made until the 2011/12 tax year.

 

And, to clear the backlog of claims under the old scheme, no claims will be processed under the new scheme until 1 July. As a result, no payments for 2011/12 will be made until the end of September.  It is clear that 2011's Quarter 2 budget will suffer from increased demand. Because of this, DCMS suggest it might work in applicants' favour to exercise flexibility and submit claims later in the year, always bearing in mind the new one-year expiry date on invoices.

  

To see the announcement and find out more about the LPWGS click here.

 




Spring is in the air.....

(31/03/11)

GrowZones, lead theft, Lottery consultations

read Divine Inspiration's April newsletter here




Guildford Cathedral is celebrating its 50th anniversary

(24/03/11)

There will be a huge variety of events taking place during 2011 celebrating the Cathedral's Golden Jubilee.

Amongst them will be a lecture series on faith in the public arena, the jubilee summer fair, choral jubilee event and a study day on Sir Edward Maufe and the building of Guildford Cathedral (Maufe study day)

 

To see a full list click here.

 

 




Get your Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme claims in now!

(10/03/11)

The last date for receipt of applications under the current arrangements, of 100% VAT refund on listed places or worship maintenance and repair works, will be the 31st March 2011.

 

DCMS has already confirmed that funding for listed places of worship will continue for the next 4 years as an important programme of help for faith and community groups working to repair and maintain places of worship all around the country.

 

To make the scheme financially sustainable the terms have already been tightened (by removing professional fees and repair works to fixtures like clocks and bells from January 4th 2011), and these terms continue to apply.

 

It was announced in October that £12 million per year is available for the next four years. That means that there will have to be a new capping arrangement of some sort so that the total paid out is within the total annual sums available. How this will work is currently being reviewed by DCMS and their website states that they will be discussing this with faith groups before making serious alterations to the scheme.

 

Given that the last date for receipt of applications under the current arrangements is 31st March 2011 it is important that claims that are now ready are submitted before this deadline.

 

To keep an eye on any updates see the LPWGS website here.




This month's Gatekeeper from Divine Inspiration

(02/03/11)

To view the latest edition click here


Feeding into the future of funding

(25/02/11)

HLF launches three month consultation, churches invited to respond

 

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) recently launched a three month consultation, inviting all-comers to feed into their 2013-19 funding strategy. It's a unique chance for churches to talk directly to the largest dedicated funder of heritage in the UK. Dame Jenny Abramsky, Chair of HLF, said:

 

"This is a great opportunity for us to learn how our funding can best help with the challenges ahead.  We can only devise the very best strategy by listening closely to the partners, funders, organisations and individuals who are involved in and enthusiastic about the UK's heritage."

 

The consultation questionnaire is available at www.hlf.org.uk/consultation2011 and runs until 26 April 2011.

 

As other sources of public investment become increasingly scarce, it's essential to highlight the unique heritage role of England's churches, from their cultural fabric, like church art, organs and monuments, to their visual impact on the country's landscape.

 

Successful applicants are encouraged to respond, as evidence of successful projects will highlight how funding for churches is great value for money and, with around £300m HLF funding available annually from 2013-19, this is a major opportunity to ensure that church buildings get the recognition and support they deserve in the years to come.

 

Click here to respond to the consultation.




Help - Quinquennial Inspections!

(02/02/11)

New guidance, Quinquennial Inspection Report proforma and draft letter of appointment for professional advisors has been produced and is available with more information here.


Wearmouth-Jarrow waits on status update

(02/02/11)

Historic 7th Century site nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Status

 

The site of the twin monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow, overlooking the North Sea, has been put forward by Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt as the UK's latest nomination for World Heritage Site status. The Cathedral and Church Buildings Division was pleased to be able to support the bid with advice, and also grant aid for conservation of the historic fabric.

The monastery was founded in the late 7th century AD, and the two churches are still in parish use today. Nearly 30 sites in the UK have already achieved World Heritage Site Status, including Durham Cathedral, the Tower of London and the Giant's Causeway. They form part of a select global group which includes Venice, the Great Wall of China and Machu Picchu.

 

The Bishop of Jarrow said "The importance of Wearmouth-Jarrow cannot be underestimated. In its day it was an internationally-renowned centre for learning and creativity. It produced remarkable scholars such as The Venerable Bede, whose work is still influential in our lives today."




February edition of The Gatekeeper out now!

(01/02/11)

Church as a sanctuary, metal theft event, focus on archaeology and much more.....

To view click here


Have you signed up for a Crossing the Threshold event?

(01/02/11)

These days are focussed on helping parishes to work in partnership with other churches, organisations and community groups to extend the use of church buildings.

There are two coming up very soon:

 

22nd March - North East regional conference organised by the dioceses of Newcastle and Durham.

Venue: St John Percy Church, North Shields, North Tyneside.

 

To see the programme for the day and to book online click here: CTT North East.

For more details contact: a.duff@newcastle.org.

 

6th April - East of England regional conference organised by the dioceses of Norwich and St Eds and Ips.

Venue: The Hostry, Norwich Cathedral.

 

To see the programme for the day click here:

CTT East of England

For booking form see - CTT East of England booking form

For more details please contact: Jennie.hawks@norwich.anglican.org or Marion@stedmundsbury.anglican.org.

 

Book now!

 

If you are interested in running a similar event in your diocese let us know




Failing to plan is planning to fail

(31/01/11)

Find out how a Conservation Management Plan could be worth millions to your church's fundraising bid

 

Sometimes the old adage rings true, and in the case of finding funding, you really need to plan ahead. Here's a recent example where a sound Conservation Management Plan (CMP) made a big difference...

 

Last week the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford, received confirmation of a £3.4m grant to fund repairs to their historic tower, façade and interior. The story of the building starts in Anglo Saxon times, and a new display will chart this rich history, with over 200 local volunteers offering guided tours to visitors. The Old Library, a forerunner of the Bodleian, will also be restored, creating a more accessible space for educational activities.

 

This success highlights the two key areas which will help beef up any bid - proper planning and community benefit.

 

The project presents opportunities for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy the Church through volunteering and learning activities. And, through planning and working with the Cathedrals and Church Buildings Division on a robust CMP, the project developed a sensitive approach to the restoration of the existing fabric of the building which enhanced its use to the community and its significance as a major heritage asset.

 

To read Churchcare advice on developing a CMP please visit http://www.churchcare.co.uk/legal.php?GG

 

And, to see the CMP which helped the University Church of St Mary the Virgin attract £3.4m, click here




Does God believe in the existence of society?

(17/01/11)

One of the many essay questions in the Archbishop of Canterbury's new 'Faith in the World' competition.


Aiming to encourage articulate public debate about the major issues of our time this competition is open to young people between the ages of 13 and 21.

 

For more information and to enter go to

http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/3110

 

deadline for entries is March 11th 2011

 




E-Bulletin number 14 out now!

(02/12/10)

This is the fourtheenth e-bulletin since the publication of Building Faith in our Future. It sets out developments to date and seeks your help as we, the Cathedral and Church Buildings, at the Church of England, work to support and enable congregations to develop their church buildings for wider community use.

Have a look at e-bulletin 14 here and also explore the Regional reports table Dec 2010 which lists recent surveys and mapping exercises.

 

If you would like to register to get the e-bulletin by email as soon as it's produced please email ruth.watkinson@c-of-e.org.uk




Ready Steady Slow for advent

(01/12/10)

A pocket-sized book has been produced this advent which urges readers to take five minutes to change the world by following the daily ‘tread gently' challenges. These include - make your own compost, take a go-slow coffee break, have a paperless party, slow down on the roads ...... All the challenges are accompanied by a reflection and prayer.

 

Video stories from around the country can also be found behind each door on the Church of England's online calendar - starting on December 1 -  at http://www.readysteadyslow.org/ with an Advent welcome from the Revd Richard Coles former member of The Communards and now based at St Paul's, Knightsbridge.

 




new community shops guidance

(01/12/10)

The Cathedral and Church Buildings Division and the National Rural Officers for the Church of England, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church have been working closely with the Plunkett Foundation to produce Community Shops Guidance.

Church buildings may often be the only community space in a village or a deprived urban area and can provide the perfect location for a community-owned shop. The building can provide not only the space but also the volunteer support and enthusiasm needed for serving the community in this way.

For more information click here.




Summary of the Bats Conservation Forum meeting

(22/11/10)

This years Conservation Forum on 16th November focussed on bats in churches. The event at Lambeth Palace sought to reconcile one of the apparently irreconcilable priorities of our natural and man-made heritages.

 

The Revd Nigel Cooper, Chair of the Church Buildings Council's bat working group, described the aim as "developing new and creative ways of protecting and cherishing our artefacts otherwise at risk of being damaged by bats, thus dispensing with the curse of plastic sheeting".

 

In a non-confrontational atmosphere, in which the problem was neither sensationalised nor trivialised, clergy and others were reassured that existing legislation allowed movement towards both mitigation and adaptation. 

What was needed were: A spirit of partnership; A more flexible attitude on the part of the licensing authorities towards moving bat roosts; A greater understanding of the damage bats can do to the heritage - a heritage which belongs not just to the Church, but to the whole nation.

 

CBC's bat working group will take the work forward on behalf of the whole sector, developing many of the ideas that had emerged from the Forum in partnership with Natural England.

The expert presentations will shortly be available on-line at http://www.churchcare.co.uk/develop.php?FO.

 




Updated Statements of Significance and Need guidance

(19/11/10)

Have a look at the new guidance here


Are you within a Big Lottery local trust neighbourhood?

(17/11/10)

If you are within one of the 50 areas your project could be eligible for a grant but you need to register for an application form by 2pm on 26 November!




Reminder - don't forget the deadline......

(10/11/10)

for recovering VAT on professional fees for works and repair works to organs, bells, clocks and pews under the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. All claims MUST be in by 31st December 2010.

From the 4th January 2010, listed places of worship will not be able to recover VAT on the works detailed above but the Scheme will match the full VAT paid out on those items which remain eligible including the increase to 20%.




Big Lottery Fund launches £75m grants scheme for buildings

(28/10/10)

The Big Lottery Fund is opening a £75m community buildings grants programme for voluntary organisations and parish and town councils in England. Not-for-profit groups will be able to apply for sums of between £100,000 and £500,000 each from the BLF's Reaching Communities programme from early December.

 

The BLF spokeswoman have said that funding would be available for "all types of multi-purpose buildings used by communities, including memorial halls, community centres and village halls".

Each project should have a total value of no more than £750,000.

 

Applications will be assessed on a monthly rolling basis.

Organisations can register for further information by calling 0845 410 2030.

 

We have been assured that as with the 2008 Community Buildings Programme, faith groups will be eligible as long as they meet the criteria.

For more information watch the Reaching Communities pages of the Big Lottery website inthe next week (www.biglotteryfund.org.uk).




Remember to check your radio microphones

(26/10/10)

If your radio microphones use channel 69 (frequencies from 854 MHZ - 862MHZ) your equipment may become redundant in 2012.

The Ofcom compensation scheme will cover up to 55 per cent of the cost of replacement equipment or modification but you must register before 31st December 2010. Read more here.


English Parishes and Churches Through the Centuries DVD - Out Now!

(12/10/10)

The English Parish Church through the Centuries A DVD-ROM focusing on the parish church, covering Art, Architecture, People, History, Life, Spirituality, Teaching & Worship produced by the Christianity and Culture project is available now from the University of York for £18.50 including p+p. This stunning new interactive DVD-ROM traces the development of the country's most iconic ecclesiastical buildings across the centuries. It combines easily accessible introductions to the latest academic research on parish churches and the influence of Christianity on literature, music, art and society with images from national and international collections.

 

Go to: http://www.york.ac.uk/projects/christianityandculture/pubs.html




Apply for a Wolfson fabric grant now!

(08/10/10)

There is still money left in the budget for our fabric Wolfson Grants. Please encourage churches to apply - for more information and the on-line application application form please go to http://www.churchcare.co.uk/funding.php?IM

Under an agreement with the Wolfson Foundation, the Church Buildings Council administers, on their behalf, applications for grant aid towards fabric repairs to Anglican Churches. To apply for a grant or for more information click here.


Divine Inspiration publish new action guide on working with schools

(04/10/10)

The action guide forms part of the Toolkit that Divine Inspiration(funded by Coventry Diocese and English Heritage)have put together on creating a warmer welcome for visitors.

It aims to take church groups through the process of making friends with the local school and developing a sound creative partnership.

For more information see the school visits page.





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