St Lucias Church in Upton Magna, Shropshire, has high hopes for 2019 having received 204,300 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to begin urgent repairs.
Churchwarden Linda Carding said: We are delighted to have received this National Lottery grant. Its wonderful to know that we will be able to preserve St Lucias heritage for future generations, especially after being on the Heritage England 'at risk' register for several years facing the possibility of closure.
This 12th Century church, dedicated to Saint Lucy, the patron saint of light and eyesight has stood at the heart of this rural community for over 1,000 years. This project aims to carry out essential structural repairs to the roof, tower and drainage before initiating a wide range of heritage activities.
Fabric Fund Co-ordinator Sue Woods added: We are privileged to be offered the opportunity to work alongside the Royal National Institute of Blind People and their Transcription centre. Tactile diagrammatic maps, books and models along with digital technology will be introduced to share the fascinating story of St Lucy, our rare and ancient bells and the history of this Medieval church to all visitors.
A variety of new and exciting activities are planned involving the local community, and the pupils of St Lucias Primary School will be developing a sensory garden in the churchyard. Headteacher Sarah Woolley said: We are delighted that the school is to be actively involved with this project."
Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury & Atcham, added: I am so pleased to hear that the church has been awarded this National Lottery support. The church plays an important part within the local community and it is essential that it is repaired and restored to enable it to continue to support the people of the village in a way it has done for many years. I will follow the developing association with St Lucy and the RNIB with interest.
Vanessa Harbar, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, said: We have been delighted to support St Lucia to carry out urgent repairs and engage new audiences with this much-loved local landmark. Thank you to the National Lottery players who have made it possible.