BBC Television turns its attention to the work of the National Churches Trust in 'One Day that Changed My Life' on Monday 8 July 2019 as it follows the story of the church of St Mary and the Host of Heaven in Cheveley in Cambridgeshire as it seeks funding from the Trust to install an accessible toilet and a modern kitchenette.
The Grade I listed church of St Mary and the Host of Heaven was built in the 13th century. The programme examines why in the 21st century the church needs to increase use of the building by local people for a range of community uses to ensure its long term future.
It also charts the nail-biting process of applying for a £30,000 Cornerstone Grant from the National Churches Trust. The programme was granted exclusive access to a meeting of the National Churches Trust's Grants Committee and reveals the inside story of how decisions are made on which churches to fund.
Will the Trust provide the much needed funding to help St Mary and the Host of Heaven proceed with a project to install an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities and a modern kitchenette?
All will be revealed in 'The Day that Changed my Life', the series following people as they go through extraordinary life-changing moments, on BBC-1 Television at 11.00 am on Monday 8 July 2019.
The programme can also be viewed on the BBC's iplayer at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0006p4
Historic churches and chapels
Broadcaster and journalist Huw Edwards, Vice President of The National Churches Trust, said: “The UK's historic churches and chapels are a vital part of our national heritage. But to survive, many need to carry out urgent repairs and install modern facilities. The cost of this work is far beyond what most congregations can pay for themselves. That's why the work of the National Churches Trust in providing funding is so important.”
In 2018 the National Churches Trust awarded grants of £1.2 million to help 202 projects at churches and chapels around the UK. Demand for funding from the National Churches Trust continues to grow, with 583 grant applications received in 2018, up from 473 grant applications in 2017, a 23% increase.
The Trust funds churches of all denominations throughout the UK. Applications for grants can be made online at: www.nationalchurchestrust.org/our-grants
