Embargoed until 00.01hours on 23 June 2015
All Saints’ Church Bolton Percy wins Heritage Lottery Fund support
All Saints’ Church Bolton Percy has received initial support* from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the Turning Dreams Into Reality project, it was announced today. The project aims to undertake major restoration work to the Nave and Tower roofs of this 15th Century village Church.
Development funding of £22,300 has been awarded to help All Saints’ Church progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.
This initial funding will facilitate investigations to prepare for a second round application for further funding of essential conservation work to re-roof both the Nave and Tower of the Church and to execute much needed structural repairs within the Belfry to the Bell Chamber and Bell Frame.
The works are required urgently because the structure of the roofs, in particular, has deteriorated significantly in recent years.
The building, which is an excellent example of the perpendicular style of architecture, was first consecrated in 1424. It has many unique features including stained glass windows from medieval times up to the present day with its millennium window installed in 2000. The church is a constant attraction to many visitors and special interest groups.
This magnificent building dominates our tiny English village and as well as being a place of worship it has been the centrepiece of the community throughout its 600 years.
Rev’d Geoff Mumford, vicar of Bolton Percy expressed his delight at the Award from the Heritage Lottery Fund saying “This Development Grant is a vital first step in helping us to progress the larger project for the substantial work required to the Nave and Tower roofs which will help to preserve the unique character of this important building for future generations.”
Explaining the importance of the HLF support, Fiona Spiers, Head of HLF Yorkshire and Humber, said; “There is a place of worship in almost every ward, village and town across the Yorkshire and Humber region, providing a very powerful visual connection with our past. Not only will our awards secure the immediate future of these particular buildings, it will also empower congregations to adapt them, where necessary, so they can be enjoyed more widely throughout the community and in turn enable them be more sustainable for the future.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
*A first-round pass means the project meets HLF criteria for funding and HLF believes the project has potential to deliver high-quality benefits and value for Lottery money. The application was in competition with other supportable projects, so a first-round pass is an endorsement of outline proposals. Having been awarded a first-round pass, the project now has up to two years to submit fully developed proposals to compete for a firm award.
About All Saints’ Church Bolton Percy
The Anglican Church of All Saints has been the parish church of Bolton Percy since 1424. It is a magnificent building that is known locally as the Cathedral of the Ainsty and over the years it has been the home of many significant clerics within the Diocese of York.
The Friends Group is a registered charity whose purpose is to raise money for the repair, preservation and conservation of our ancient Church. The life and worship of the parish of All Saints’ is supported by the Parochial Church Council, made up of elected local church members.
About the Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) aims to make a lasting difference for heritage, people and communities across the UK and help build a resilient heritage economy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported over 37,000 projects with more than £6bn across the UK including £470m to over 3,200 projects in Yorkshire & the Humber alone.
For further information, images and interviews, please contact:
Rev’d Geoff Mumford on 01904 707716 or email: