St Mary and The Holy Cross, Alderminster. (C) Aiden McRae Thomson
Tower Restoration project at St Mary and The Holy Cross, Alderminster to go ahead thanks to National Lottery funding.
St Mary and the Holy Cross are delighted to announce that they have been awarded a grant of £118,937 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to restore the church's historic tower. This means that together with funding of £45,000 raised from generous donations by the community and other grant-giving bodies, the project is now able to go ahead in 2026.
The tower restoration works are essential to help preserve the Parish Church, an iconic building, an important part of Alderminster's Heritage and a vital asset to this rural community, for the benefit of this and future generations. Regular Sunday services are held with a growing congregation from the surrounding area and varied community events such as Concerts and Summer Teas are enjoyed here. The Churchy ard is visited by the community for dog walking, peace and tranquillity or enjoying the varied wildlife. The Church bells are regularly rung as they have been for centuries. Doors are open daily to welcome visitors both locally and from around the world.
The Church's Bell Tower now needs urgent repairs to the stonework, parapet and finials. Without repair the Tower will deteriorate further putting the entire structure at risk resulting in the inevitable closure of the Church and Churchyard. Action is needed now to give the building an inspiring future.
"This is great news for Alderminster's community and means that our Bell Tower and Church Building can be secured for the future" said the Rev Nicki Chatterton, Rector of the Stourdene Benefice of six local parishes of which Alderminster is one. The project team will continue to issue updates as the Project Implementation unfolds and will invite the Community to celebrate the start of the restoration work as soon as dates are settled.
The project team wishes to thank the community and National Lottery players for their support, generosity and encouragement as they navigate this important and significant project.
The funding landscape for churches is very competitive and applying for grants can feel hard work, particularly alongside all the other demands of parish life. That makes the success achieved by the project team at Alderminster all the more encouraging, and a reminder that well‑thought‑through projects can attract significant support. If your church is exploring funding options for repairs, development or churchyard projects, the Church Buildings Team can help. Support is available with shaping ideas, identifying potential funders and strengthening applications, and churches are warmly encouraged to contact Andy Duncan (Church Building Funding Support Officer) for advice and early guidance.