Churches Facing Cash Crisis

The Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust (YHCT) has launched an appeal for new Friends to help local churches affected by the impact of Covid – 19.

Yorkshire is home to over 2500 places of worship. From tiny chapels and village churches, to commanding Minsters, these magnificent and much loved buildings define the landscape and bring communities together.

They offer congregations a welcoming, warm and friendly place to worship, host a wide range of social groups and offer facilities for local communities.

However, due to the financial impact of the coronavirus shut-down, many are really struggling to meet their ongoing maintenance and repair costs.

Tom Ramsden, Chairman of the YHCT states:
“Although most churches and chapels are still currently closed, keeping on top of the basic maintenance is essential to preserve the fabric of these precious buildings. With summer fayres, coffee mornings and community classes cancelled, new ways of fundraising need to be considered”.

Tom continues:
“Now more so than ever, these buildings need our support. By becoming a Friend of the YHCT you can help us ensure Yorkshire's places of worship have access to funding to help with their repairs and maintenance”.

Thanks to the generosity of their supporters, the YHCT has been able to support many churches, including All Saints in Little Horton Green. The grade II listed church, with its prominent spire that has become a landmark in Bradford, has served the local community since 1864.

However, by 2016 urgent roof repairs were needed to ensure the building could remain watertight. The repairs were estimated at over £36,000, and the YHCT were able to award £4000 towards the costs. In early 2020 cracks started to appear in the stonework surrounding the windows, culminating in two heavy pieces of stone falling through a ceiling onto the floor narrowly missing a church warden. Again, the YHCT were able to support the church with a further £4000 towards the cost of the repairs.

By becoming a Friend, or making a donation, you can help the YHCT continue to fund urgent repairs to churches like All Saints.



For details of how to join or donate, visit the website at www.yhct.org.uk.