Amazing grace

WITH funding hard to come by during the pandemic, the future of the nation’s churches has at times looked gloomy, so the news that the National Churches Trust (NCT) will award grants worth £584,000 to keep 64 places of worship open and in good repair is especially welcome. ‘Parish churches are a vital part of national heritage,’ says the NCT’S CEO, Claire Walker. ‘Our latest funding is a vote of confidence in their future and a recognition of their importance to local communities.’

One of the churches that stands to benefit is Grade I-listed St Walburge (above), in Preston, Lancashire, which has UK’S third tallest spire, but is currently on the Historic England ‘Heritage at Risk’ register because its deteriorating slate roof has been letting in water. Roof repair will also be on the agenda at St Mary’s, in Stoke by Nayland, Suffolk, the fine medieval tower of which was often painted by John Constable; whereas the work at Grade I-listed Hexham Abbey, in Northumberland, will focus on restoring the sandstone on the east of the chancel.

NCT friends made the latest grants possible. To donate, visit www.nationalchurchestrust.org