Church of St Nicholas and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Stowey wins The National Lottery Heritage Fund support

The Church of St Nicholas and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Stowey has received a confirmed grant of £249,500 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their Stowey Revived project,

Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the project aims to celebrate the heritage of the Grade 2 listed building, by providing a better welcome and interpretation of our long and significant history, and building closer relationships with different communities in the surrounding area, including local residents and school children.

The Stowey Revived project has several objectives, including

• Carrying out critical repairs 14thc 3-stageTower with a ring of 6 bells.
• Providing heritage and learning opportunities within the church, working in partnership with local schools and community organisations,
• 20thc chancel Murals (1900-1915), by Henry Strachey (1863-1940). Residents as models. Locally born painter close to members of the Bloomsbury Group.
  Memorial to Henry Strachey, Artist, Musician Scouter by Don Potter, co-worker Eric Gill 1930s.
  • James I Royal Arms, 1624, rare survival (pre-English Civil War).
• Installing draught-resistant and more welcoming doors,
• Organising a wide variety of activities, including opportunities to visit behind the scenes during conservation work and meet skilled conservators, as well as concerts, coffee mornings, schools programmes and bioblitzes,
• Constructing a hospitality building, providing kitchenette and accessible toilet, improving our ability to host activities.

Stowey church is a living building, which has changed and evolved over the centuries: The changing needs of the congregation and the village, as well as normal wear and tear and weathering are part of the continuing life of the fabric. The tower and murals now require extensive restoration and conservation work.  Heritage Fund support for this project will ensure and secure the future of the church and help it to fulfil its central place in the life of Stowey.

Commenting on the award, Churchwarden Jill Nicol said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players. This award, with other funds we are continuing to raise, allows the work to begin in August 2024. We are grateful to all our supporters including The NLHF, The Mercers’ Charitable Foundation, ChurchCare (with financial support from the Pilgrim Trust and the Radcliffe Trust), Sabina Sutherland Trust, Idlewild Trust, St Andrew’s Conservation Trust, Somerset Churches Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Benefact Trust Chelwood Community Fund and Stowey Sutton Parish Council. We are already planning a variety of activities and events in addition to our regular services, as well as sharing our history and heritage with those who visit or live in the village

Stuart McLeod, Director England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery Players, we are delighted to award The Church of St Nicholas and the Blessed Virgin Mary with a grant that not only carries out urgent repairs, but will also improve access and welcome new visitors, so that this important heritage will resonate with the community and beyond for years to come.”