St Philip and St Jacob, Bristol, and St Andrew, Avonmouth, are among 93 churches and chapels in England, Wales and Scotland that are set to benefit from rescue funding of 680,230 from the National Churches Trust, the UKs church support charity.
St Philip and St Jacob, Bristol
St Philip and St Jacob, Bristol has received a funding boost in the shape of a 20,000 National Churches Trust Repair Grant to help fund urgent repairs to fix its badly leaking roof.
The repair works required to the roof stem from a number of past lead thefts. These have been patched with a temporary rubber membrane that is now failing. Water penetrating through the roof has resulted in widespread water damage throughout the building.
After the repairs have been completed, the building will go from one that is in a considerable state of disrepair and on the edge of closure due to safety concerns, to one that is watertight and safe which can be used, visited and enjoyed by the community for the years to come.As a result of this project, the building is likely to be removed from the Historic England At Risk Register.
The city centre area around the church is developing rapidly. The need for community space is already very high and is going to increase significantly in the next five years. St Philip and St Jacob church is currently inundated with requests for space to hold various community and charity activities which it has to decline due to the state of the building.
St Andrew, Avonmouth
St Andrews church in Avonmouth has received a 10,000 National Churches Trust Community Grant to fund the installation of new facilities and the creation of community space.
The National Churches Trusts 10,000 Community Grant is helping to fund a major re-ordering project inside the church. This will replace the church hall, which is currently in a very poor state of repair.
By dividing some of the space inside the church, it will be able to accommodate a community hall; meeting room; crche; welcome area with caf seating; new toilets; a new kitchen; flexible seating; and a new glass entrance facing the road. St Andrews Foodbank will have more space in the new plans.
The new rooms will provide space for holiday clubs; worship space for children and young people; coffee mornings; the childrens play scheme; wedding receptions; and school visits.
Revd Andy Murray, vicar of St Andrews, said: "We are delighted that the National Churches Trust are helping the church family to redevelop the building. More space for the food bank will also help many people in the wider area of North West Bristol. We look forward to inviting local people to see the changes and take part in events and activities."