All Saints’ Parish Church, Sherburn in Elmet wins Heritage Lottery Fund support
All Saint’s Parish Church, Sherburn in Elmet has received initial support* from National Lottery players for the “Urgent repair of the north clerestory and west window stonework and re-leading of the chancel stained glass windows” project, it was announced recently.
The project aims to repair and restore the stonework surrounding the north clerestory windows which are in a seriously corroded condition and would, if not restored, present a dangerous risk to the members of the public. The project will also cover the restoration of the almost non-existent parts of the stonework surrounding the ancient stained glass west window and the re-leading of the stained glass windows in the Chancel which are becoming detached from their support bars..
Development funding of £7,770 from the Heritage Lottery fund (HLF) has been awarded to help All Saint’s Parish Church progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.The essential conservation work will allow continued access to the ancient building, and the preservation of the stained glass windows will enhance an educational programme planned for local schools. Once the work is complete a series of talks for adults as well as children will explain the history behind stained glass windows in general and those in this Parish Church in particular.
The building, next to the site of one of King Athelstan’s “palaces” which he gave to the Archbishops of York, was built by the Norman Conquerors on the site of an earlier Saxon Church. It is a focal point for the local community. Open every day throughout Spring, Summer and Autumn visitors are welcomed to study a series of panels illustrating the interesting heritage of the Parish
Canon Chris Wilton, Vicar of Sherburn in Elmet said “We are thrilled by the support given to us by the Heritage Lottery Fund. All Saints’ Church has been the centre of this community both visually and spiritually for a thousand years and with the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund it will remain so for many years to come.”
*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. On occasion, an applicant with a first-round pass will also be awarded development funding towards the development of their scheme.
For further information, images and interviews, please contact:
Ken Stott, Churchwarden on 01937 830148 or ken.stott@hotmail.com