PCC News

“In a bid to improve the facilities we offer, the PCC recently agreed to purchase and install an 80 inch interactive smart screen and sound bar in the meeting room. The total cost was £4,656 (inc VAT) and, after a very generous donation from a member of the congregation, it was decided that grants would be sought to help the PCC cover the total cost.

“On the advice of the Diocesan Secretary we applied to the Geoffrey Whatling Trust who support charities and organisations working in Norfolk and the Waveney area. After submitting their simple application form, no bigger than one side of A4, we were successful in being awarded £1,500! We also applied to the Diocesan Sharing Good News Fund for £600 using the simple application form from the Diocesan website, and again were successful. The PCC contributed the balance.

“The screen is already being put to good use by the Holt & District Dementia Support Group during their weekly café sessions. It is used at church meetings and by visiting groups for presentations.

“Our deanery youth group recently held a film and pizza evening, and it is used during our ‘Open the Church’ family activity sessions. Groups from further afield are now aware that we are able to offer an ideal training venue, and recently the Diocese held a vocations day here. Age UK Norfolk are also the local schools will use our ready made classroom and the church as a resource for cross-curriculum activities.

“It is encouraging to know that there are grant making bodies out there who are willing to make small grants available and whose application processes are simple. In fact they seem to make it purposefully easy to apply.

“Small projects that will make a huge difference often fail to happen because of a lack of funds. However, our experience has proved that it is worth applying for even small amounts of money.”