Posted on 10th Dec
A £8,991 National Churches Trust Grant will help to pay for urgent repairs to the stonework of Newark Parish Church.
On the recommendation of the National Churches Trust, the church will also receive a £10,000 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation.
The condition of the church, being cold, leaky and in places dangerous, severely limits the opportunities St Mary Magdalene has to develop opportunities for people to engage with its fascinating history and heritage — and to make the church sustainable for the future.
Once these repairs are completed, the church has ambitions to add facilities and to continue to make improvements so that the building will become a warm and welcoming hub for the community and a significant heritage destination.
The church is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register – classified as being at ‘immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric.’
Its fifth highest spire in the country, a 14th Century octagonal spire that stands 236ft tall, is eight-and-a-half times as long as a London bus.
The church also functions as a vital community space. From a toddler group, youth hangouts and a community cafe to a library group, flowers festivals and regular concerts, it is part of the community.
Andrew Fearn, churchwarden and project lead at St Mary Magdalene, said: “This grant is a huge benefit to the project and will enable us to complete the ‘Reawakening’ work. Our church is now closed for a year and work on protecting the building and interior is in full flow prior to the actual works.
“The project will mean that the church becomes dry, secure and much warmer, all of which will be of significant benefit to worshippers and community users alike.
“A revised and modern interpretation scheme will both attract and inform visitors and tourists. Visiting school and other community groups will be able to visit and take full advantage of new facilities and the restored fabric.
“The church will regain its place as the jewel in the crown of Newark’s wonderful heritage.”
The donated money will help to fix the crumbling and unsafe exterior stonework.
Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, said: “The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support St Mary Magdalene church to enable them to carry out urgent repairs to their beautiful building. Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church building open and serving local people.
“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”
Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, added: “While churches are primarily places of worship, they also serve as vital community landmarks.
“We are delighted to continue our partnership with the National Churches Trust to ensure these cherished buildings and conserved and restored for future generations to experience and enjoy.”
