Saint Andrew’s Church in Halton Holegate has received a financial boost from the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help fund repairs during the coronavirus pandemic.
Lifeline grants from the Culture Recovery Fund are designed to protect heritage sites and ensure that jobs and access to culture and heritage in local communities are protected during the months ahead.
St Andrew’s has been awarded £25,000 for essential construction work which will stop water seeping through the organ loft roof and causing damage to, not only the fabric of the building, but also to the historic organ beneath. The grant comes at a crucial point because, if left much longer damage to the much-loved church would have caused further damage and subsequential increased repair costs.
Grants of up to £25,000 are being allocated to cherished heritage sites, like St. Andrew’s, across the country to cover urgently needed maintenance and repairs. This vital funding comes from a part of the Culture Recovery Fund called the Heritage Stimulus Fund and is administered on behalf of the government by Historic England.
As well as rescuing precious heritage buildings in need, the injection of cash will protect livelihoods for some of the most vulnerable heritage specialists and contractors working in the sector.
Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said: “These grants will help the places that have shaped our skylines for hundreds of years and that continue to define culture in our towns and cities. We’re protecting heritage and culture in every corner of the country to save jobs and ensure it's there for future generations to enjoy.”
St Andrew’s Church has played an important role in the community since it opened its doors for the first time in the late 1300s. The Grade 11* listed building is in the Perpendicular style and is an important focal point for the parish of Halton Holegate, both as a place of stability and welcome, but also for its architectural, cultural, and historical relevance for many from far and wide.
Mrs Christine King, Churchwarden of St Andrew’s church said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from the Culture Recovery Fund. It will make a significant difference to the work we need to carry out to St. Andrew’s so that the church can continue to play an important part in the life of our community.”
Duncan Wilson, Historic England Chief Executive said: “Historic places across the country are being supported by the Government’s grants awarded under the Culture Recovery Fund. This funding is a lifeline which is kick-starting essential repairs and maintenance at many of our most precious historic sites, so they can begin to recover from the damaging effects of COVID-19.
“It is also providing employment for skilled craft workers who help keep historic places alive and the wheels of the heritage sector turning. Our shared heritage is an anchor for us all in these challenging times and this funding will help to ensure it remains part of our collective future.”