PCC News

Development funding of over £28,200 has also been awarded to help the church progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date.

The project aims to make the building weatherproof by repairing the high-level leaded windows and by introducing a state-of-the-art drainage system to take rainwater away from the building.

The community will also benefit from the introduction of heating to some parts of the building and new multi-purpose spaces. All of this will make the church a much more hospitable place for concerts, meetings and community events as well as regular worship.

St Agnes Church in Cawston is one of the most magnificent examples of medieval architecture in the country, complete with its internationally significant rood screen and angel-adorned hammerbeam roof. The immense building draws large numbers of visitors from across the world who come to marvel at the architecture and enjoy the peace and serenity of the building.

Commenting on the Award, Team Vicar, the Revd Andrew Whitehead, said: “We’re delighted to receive this support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The church has provided a constant backdrop to village life for over 500 years, and, thanks to National Lottery players, this project will help safeguard it for the next 500. The additional spaces and facilities we can create with this and other funding will ensure we can offer the kinds of services people now expect from a village church.”

Cawston Parish Church is part of the Aylsham and District Team Ministry in the Diocese of Norwich. The church has weekly worship with over 40 regular worshippers. Through the week, it offers a weekly toddler group, monthly Book & Jigsaw swap and a monthly Messy Church designed for families and children. The church has a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cawstonparishchurch