The Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust was formed in 1964
The Trust is non-denominational and independent of the Diocese of Leicester. Nevertheless, as the great majority of church buildings in Leicester/shire belong to the Church of England, the Trust needs to work closely with the Diocese.
The majority of the Trust’s income comes from the annual Sponsored Ride & Stride. It also receives donations from individuals, church councils, other Trusts and legacies. Its officials and helpers are volunteers.
While its main task is to provide money and advice for the repair of churches and chapels, the Trust also seeks to spread interest in and knowledge of church and chapel buildings, and to generate enthusiasm for their care and preservation.
What kind of buildings? The Trust helps churches and chapels of all Christian denominations that are open for public Christian worship, by giving grants towards the cost of repairs, and by advising on how financial and professional help may be obtained from other sources. These powers do not extend to redundant or disused buildings.
What kind of work? The Trust contributes towards work to repair, restore or preserve the fabric. The Trust aims to support such work as generously as its funds allow.
Can the Trust fund work on internal fittings? The Trust contributes towards the repair of monuments, fittings, fixtures, stained glass, furniture, ornaments and chattels of churches and chapels and of the churchyard belonging to any such churches (so long as the churchyard is still used for burials).
Other areas of work. The Trust can consider applications for the repair or renewal of heating systems, where improved heating will benefit the fabric of the building. As funds are limited, the Trust is not able to consider applications for electrical work, disability access, reordering of the interior, redecorating, toilets or kitchen facilities, extensions, school or other ancillary buildings.
What is a “historic” church or chapel? The word historic is used fairly loosely so far as the allotment of the Trust’s funds is concerned. The Trust tends to regard any church built before or around 100 years ago as historic, but most buildings used for public worship are of some architectural interest and all are important to their communities. Therefore, the Trust does not apply the 100 year rule rigidly.
Application Forms and further information about grants are available from the Secretary, Mr TY Cocks.