The Taylor Review pilot scheme, which was launched in 2018, has helped provide advice, guidance and financial support as institutions prepare for the future. Grants for 54 buildings have so far been awarded from the £1.8m fund overall. A total of 27 places of worship in Suffolk have been recipients of the government grant so far.
Helen Whately, minister for arts, heritage and tourism, said: "I am delighted that so many buildings in Suffolk have benefitted from this funding. Our country has a rich and fascinating religious history and places of worship have been at the heart of communities for centuries. The Taylor Review pilot scheme is helping to protect and preserve these important places of worship, and keep them central to our communities."
Churches benefitting from funds include:
Grade I listed St Mary’s, was able to repair missing roof tiles, replace leaking asbestos cement gutters and repair small cracks to stop rainwater further damaging the ancient building which dates to the 12th century.
The Medieval Grade I listed Church of St Mary the Virgin in Wortham received funding for repair works to the roof and walls. The funding also helped to provide updates to the drainage system and downpipes.
Five churches in Southwold - Sacred Heart, St Edmund King and Martyr, the United Reformed Church, Church of St Mary and Church of St Peter & St Paul - received support from the Taylor pilot to create a maintenance cooperative where skills will be shared between the five churches.
Cathy Hume of St Mary's church said: "The support and guidance from Historic England has been invaluable. Taking part in this scheme has heightened my awareness of the church building and how to care for it. It has also given me knowledge and confidence to tackle the bigger challenges that the church fabric presents."
Funded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Taylor Review scheme was introduced in September 2018 and is run by Historic England. The pilot runs until March 2020 in Suffolk and Greater Manchester, with the intention of creating "sustainable futures" for places of worship.
Picture: St Edmund's Church in Southwold is one of many places of worship to benefit from the scheme by MIKE PAGE
Wednesday 15th January 2020