St Wilfrid’s, the 12th century parish church in Calverley with examples of Saxon graveyards, has today received £39,100 from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a Tower Project which will enable visitors and school children to get up close to its history, including its stained glass windows.
The project will provide a mezzanine floor in the tower which will house a Heritage Area, plus a servery and toilets. It will enable greater access for visitors to both the newly-restored West window and items of historic interest.
Vicar, the Revd Phil Arnold, says, “The church is a centre of community activity in Calverley, and that will be enhanced by this project. Volunteers will develop new skills and increased understanding of the conservation of stained glass. The creation of a heritage trail for schools will help children to learn more about the church, its history and its value to their community, and improved facilities and accessibility will allow us to offer much greater opportunities for community involvement and events.”
Churchwarden Brenda Pickard said: “We’re thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund for a project which will enable our community and children to engage with their heritage in interesting and exciting ways.”
Fiona Spiers, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Places of worship house a host of heritage stories and artefacts. This project will rejuvenate and revitalise an important local building, bringing it back to the heart of the community and highlighting its heritage stories for the local community to enjoy.”
St Wilfrid’s dates back to 1154, and the tower (which dates back to the early 14th century) features an unusual crooked arch and currently houses examples of Saxon gravestones.
The work is expected to begin in April and finish in August.
ENDS
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 £445m to over 3,100 projects in Yorkshire & the Humber alone. www.hlf.org.uk.
For further information, images and interviews, please contact
Rev Philip Arnold, 07758266922, or revparnold@sky.com
Mrs Brenda Pickard, 0113 2555445 or Brenda.pickard@btconnect.com