ST SWITHUN’S CHURCH, LONG BENNINGTON, GRANT AWARD.
‘Making Our Heritage Live’
PROJECT OVERVIEW
St Swithun’s Church, Long Bennington, Parochial Church Council (PCC) is pleased to announce that it has received initial support* from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a £252,888 project which seeks to undertake essential structural repairs to the Church building.
Made possible by players of the National Lottery, HLF will initially grant Development Funding of £16,900, to permit the planning and design of the work to be undertaken. Detailed proposals are then considered by HLF at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award £159,700.
FURTHER BACKGROUND TO THE PROJECT
A Church in the village Long Bennington is mentioned in the Doomsday Book, ‘The Great Survey’, ordered by William the Conqueror, and completed in 1086. The current Church dates back to 1175, and the previously attached Cistercian Priory to 1150.
Some three years ago St Swithun’s Church PCC embarked on a range of projects both to repair the Church and to sustain its ministry and role in the local community over the coming years.
A new Church Path and associated lighting was installed over the summer of 2017, whilst a major restoration of the Church Organ was completed 3 months ago.
Of the greatest importance, however, is the project to stabilise the North Aisle Wall and to repair and recover the Chancel Roof, and the PCC is very pleased to announce that this has attracted National Lottery support. Ultimately it is hoped that the HLF will provide 70% of the project funds, £159,700, and that all the works can be completed by the end of 2019. To achieve this target, over the next 12 months detailed studies will be undertaken and repair plans agreed.
QUOTES:
‘The best news that the PCC has had for many years, and a great start to 2018.’
Parochial Church Council Member.
‘Without the Lottery Players, St Swithun’s Church would have had a very challenging future – just to stay open.’
Phil Owen, Long Bennington Resident.
‘St Swithun’s and its supporters will continue to provide a key presence in Long Bennington for many years to come, thanks to the generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.’
Sylvia Andrews, Authorised Lay Minister.
‘Without the funds from those who play the Lottery, the village could have lost its Church. We cannot afford to lose its activities and influence in the village, and the many events that the PCC organises’
Mollie Gardiner, Long Bennington Resident.
‘It is nice to know that National Lottery players have helped to preserve the traditional way of life in Long Bennington for many years to come.’
Gareth Dawkins, Chair Long Bennington Parish Council.
CONTACT POINT:
Rev Harriet Orridge.
Saxonwell Vicarage,
77a Church Street,
Long Bennington,
NEWARK, Notts. NG23 5ES. Tel: 01400 281281.
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
*HLF Grants for Places of Worship applications are assessed in two rounds. Long Bennington PCC has initially been granted round one development funding of £16,900 by the Heritage Lottery Fund, allowing it to progress with its plans. Detailed proposals are then considered by HLF at second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award of £142,800.
Thanks to National Lottery players, we invest money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about - from the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and buildings we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife. www.hlf.org.uk. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and use #National Lottery and #HLFsupported.