Norfolk Churches Trust marks 50 years saving historic buildings
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 09:13 · Archive
The Norfolk Churches Trust celebrated its 50th anniversary as it faces financial strain from the closure of a government VAT grant scheme.
The Norfolk Churches Trust celebrated its 50th anniversary at St Peter's Church in Corpusty, a building with deep significance to the trust's origins. The church was once a boarded-up ruin facing demolition and featured in John Betjeman's 1974 film A Passion for Churches, which helped inspire the trust's formation in 1976. St Peter's was taken into the care of the Friends of Friendless Churches in 1982 and later transferred to the Norfolk Churches Trust in 2009.
The trust's president, General Lord Dannatt, attended the anniversary event alongside supporters and members. Guest speaker Rachel Morley, director of Friends of Friendless Churches, spoke about the 'extraordinary heritage' contained within Norfolk's churches and the ongoing challenge of preserving them for future generations.
A key concern raised was the financial strain caused by the closure of the Government's Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which had allowed listed churches to reclaim VAT on repairs and restoration. Chairman Rosabelle Batt said the ending of the scheme is already having a direct impact. At the trust's last grants meeting, it gave more than £6,500 to two Norfolk churches solely to help cover VAT costs which they would previously have been able to reclaim themselves.
How it is being reported
- Trust marks 50 years of saving Norfolk’s churches as they face new financial threatA charity has celebrated 50 years of protecting historic churches.Norwich Evening News · 10 Oct, 08:50
- Trust marks 50 years of saving Norfolk’s churches as they face new financial threatA charity has celebrated 50 years of protecting historic churches.Eastern Daily Press · 10 Oct, 08:50
In this story: Norfolk Churches Trust · St Peter's Church · Corpusty · John Betjeman · Rosabelle Batt · General Lord Dannatt · Rachel Morley · Friends of Friendless Churches
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