Almost GBP 200,000 was granted to the Grade I listed All Saints church in Stisted, around Braintree. The money will be used for immediate repairs of the roof and the bell chamber, damaged by nesting crows.
Ray Sams, the church’s Reverend made several remarks regarding this great gambling news: “With the money we will be able to make a proper, permanent repair, rather than the temporary ones that we’ve been making.”
He also commented on the smart strategies which will be implemented after the renovation: “The church building is an asset for the whole community. We plan to have it open to groups outside the church as well once the work has been completed, including organizing coffee mornings where people can come into the church just to sit and take it all in.”
All the community will take part in the reparation
The GBP 197,700 donation from the Heritage Lottery Fund will be used to make the roof watertight, so that the worshipers can sit comfortably, and will also enable bell ringers.
The local community will be actively involved in the restoration, organizing stained glass window workshops and a learning program on the history of the church.
The Heritage Lottery Fund will also invite a specialist buildings archaeologist to research the church’s history and Natural England, and ensure the preservation of bats at the location.