Nottinghamshire's churches bear witness to 1,000 years of Christian worship. Restoration costs continue to rise and sources for grants are under increasing pressure.

Since 1986 the Nottinghamshire Historic Churches Trust (NHCT) has awarded grants for repairs to stonework, roofs, windows, timberwork, bell-frames and bells and has helped to replace old heating and electrical systems.

The Friends of Nottinghamshire Churches supports the work of the Nottinghamshire Historic Churches Trust in preserving these historic buildings through grants for essential repairs.

You can help continue this vital work by becoming a Friend of Nottinghamshire Churches

• to support the work of the Nottinghamshire Historic Churches Trust
• to help ensure the future of Nottinghamshire s historic churches and chapels
• to share in the conservation of the Christian Heritage

The Friends of Nottinghamshire Churches

• have priority booking for the NHCT Summer Party at a special Friends Rate
• receive a regular report on the churches grant-aided by the NHCT
• have mailings about Friends Events, lectures and visits

Download the leaflet and application for membership form.

The Friends 2009-10

The Friends of Notts Historic Churches Trust have enjoyed some varied and interesting visits during the last year.  The Concert in June in Southwell Minster by the talented and delightful Cantamus Girls Choir was a wonderful evening, a real musical treat, which was very well supported by Friends and supporters of the Trust.  The August visit to the medieval churches at Strelley and Wollaton, and their contrasting histories, cheered up a very wet part of the summer and opened many eyes to the wonders in our midst.  This was followed by a delicious tea arranged by the good people of St. Leonard's church.  By contrast, the weather for our October visit to Upton church and Southwell Methodist Chapel was absolutely beautiful, enhancing the view from Upton's tower and adding a warm glow to the church's stonework.  The tea provided by the kind ladies at Sacrista Prebend was most eagerly consumed!  40 of us met again at the end of February at All Saints in central Nottingham to hear Professor John Beckett talk about the changing life of the churches in the city as it expanded over the centuries.  Poor All Saints had had boiler problems since Christmas (and remember how very cold the first part of the year was!) so we all dressed up in our warmest clothes, and greatly appreciated the warming cups of tea beforehand, and the wonderful spread put on by members of the church. 

I want to thank all those Friends who pay their subscriptions by standing order, which is such a cost-effective way of supporting the Trust.  However, every donation is greatly appreciated, and to that end I am pleased to report that the Trustees have agreed that there should be an award made in the name of the Friends to some project that would not otherwise be regarded as vital to the continuing welfare of a church.  This award would be specifically made in the name of the Friends of Nottinghamshire Historic Churches Trust, directly from the subscriptions received.  The first award will be considered at the next meeting of the Grants Sub-Committee.

We have some interesting visits coming up, and guests are always very welcome to join the Friends for a small charge.  We will be meeting at Staunton Hall for the Trust's Summer Party on 25th June, and this will include an organ recital in the church by Paul Hale, Rector Chori of Southwell Minster.  The organ has recently had a major restoration, under Paul Hale's guidance, and supported with a grant by the Trust.  We also have Friends' visits planned for Worksop Priory, once grand and important, and St. Giles at Carburton, apparently small & simple, on 17th July with Dr. Chris Brooke as guide, and the history of the church and village of Norwell on 9th October with Professor Michael Jones.  Other visits are being discussed, and any suggestions are always welcome.

The Friends of NHCT are very important to the Trust;  they are the people who spread the word about the Trust's activities;  they encourage the Trust to continue its work, and encourage others to support that work financially.  As funding becomes ever harder to find, the Friends of the Trust become ever more important to its ability to make grants.  The Trustees are very grateful for any suggestions leading to funds being made available.

Anthea Moat,
Secretary / Administrator