£80k boost to help churches in rural areas

Volunteers are to be recruited at rural churches, including Spilsby, after nearly £80,000 of National Lottery Heritage Fund investment was awarded as part of a project being run by the Diocese of Lincoln - the first of its kind in the country.
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Jan 2020, 08:25 BST
An £80k project is being launched to protect Lincolnshire churches. ANL-191216-135026001An £80k project is being launched to protect Lincolnshire churches. ANL-191216-135026001
An £80k project is being launched to protect Lincolnshire churches. ANL-191216-135026001

The churches to benefit are in two of the most rural areas that need ongoing intervention so that they might remain in use and support their local communities.

The new project ‘Building Capacity in the Rural Parish Church in Lincolnshire’ – will be to recruit and train volunteers who can support key rural churches.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Funding is being used to support parish churches in and around Spilsby, Market Rasen and Caistor – the Bolingbroke and West Wold deaneries – and the programme will run to April 2021.

Most Popular

The project is particularly keen to hear from people with skills and experience in fundraising, bid writing or coordinating projects, but enthusiasm or skills in other areas are equally welcome and training will be available.

Steven Sleight, Diocesan Advisory Committee and Pastoral Secretary for the Diocese of Lincoln, says: “We are thrilled to be able to offer additional support to some of our most rural churches as a result of this grant, which has been made possible thanks to players of The National Lottery.

“We have 630 church buildings in the Diocese of Lincoln, many of which require repair and maintenance.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This funding will help us to recruit and train volunteers who can help to secure this wealth of built heritage for generations to come.”

Caroline Wallis, Rural Churches Volunteers Project Officer, says: “The first step of this exciting and innovative project is to connect with the existing stakeholders in the parishes to discuss their aspirations for their church buildings and where they need help.

“This will be followed by a series of volunteer recruitment events for members of the public.

“These events will offer an opportunity to learn more about becoming involved with this very special project that will help shape lives and communities.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

To enquire about volunteering or to suggest a church building project in your area, please contact the Project Officer, Caroline Wallis, on 01522 50 40 38 or email [email protected]

A volunteer recruitment event will take place at St. James’ Church, Spilsby, on Monday, January 27, between 10am and 1pm. For further details and to register your attendance, visit: www.ruralchurchesproject.eventbrite.co.uk

Further recruitment events will be added to the website as they are planned and they will also be advertised locally.

Related topics:VolunteersLincolnshire