Pontefract church gets £60,000 grant to fund repairs

A Pontefract church can now complete urgent repairs thanks to a £60,000 grant.
St Giles' Church, Pontefract. Picture: Roland FawcettSt Giles' Church, Pontefract. Picture: Roland Fawcett
St Giles' Church, Pontefract. Picture: Roland Fawcett

The money for St Giles’ Church has come from a WREN FCC Heritage Fund grant awarded on the recommendation of the National Churches Trust, whose vice president is BBC News’ Huw Edwards.

The substantial funds will be used fund the final phase of external repairs.

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The vicar, Father Bob Cooper said: “We are delighted to receive the support of the WREN FCC Heritage Fund which will enable us to complete the final phase of repairs to the building. This is a very old church and the current building has seen many changes over the years to meet the needs of the local community. St Giles church has been on the Historic England “At Risk” register for the last few years and the grant will ensure the preservation of the town’s most prestigious heritage building for the benefit of future generations of our local community.”

Broadcaster Huw Edwards is vice president of the National Churches TrustBroadcaster Huw Edwards is vice president of the National Churches Trust
Broadcaster Huw Edwards is vice president of the National Churches Trust

St Giles, situated in the town’s market place, has a unique octagonal tower. A church has stood on the site since the 12th Century.

The National Churches Trust is the national independent charity concerned with the protection and welfare of churches, chapels and meeting houses throughout the United Kingdom.

Broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, vice president of the National Churches Trust, said: “The UK’s churches and chapels are a treasure trove of architecture, history and faith. But the cost of keeping them in good repair is far beyond the means of congregations.

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“That’s why I’m delighted that the National Churches Trust has greenlit a £60,000 WREN FCC Heritage Fund grant to St Giles in Pontefract. This funding will help ensure that the church continues to serve local people for many years to come.”

WREN is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community, biodiversity and heritage projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund.

Peter Moralee, WREN’s grant manager for the FCC Heritage Fund, said: “FCC Environment and WREN are dedicated to supporting projects that safeguard the future of some of the country’s most at risk heritage sites. We are delighted to be working with the National Churches Trust and pleased our funding will go such a long way in preserving these historic sites for generations to come.”

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