THE Church of St Nicholas and the Blessed Virgin Mary has been awarded a £249,500 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Stowey Revived project.

Thanks to funding from The National Lottery, the project aims to celebrate the heritage of the Grade II listed Stowey church building by improving the welcome and interpretation of its history. It also seeks to build closer relationships with various communities in the surrounding area, including local residents and school children.

The Stowey Revived project has several objectives, including carrying out critical repairs to the 14th-century, three-stage tower with a ring of six bells.

The project aims to offer heritage and learning opportunities by working with local schools and community groups. It will also focus on preserving 20th-century chancel murals by local painter Henry Strachey and a memorial to Strachey created by Don Potter.

The project will also restore the James I Royal Arms from 1624, a rare artifact from before the English Civil War. It includes installing draught-resistant doors and organising various activities such as conservation tours, concerts, coffee mornings, school programs, and bio blitzes. 

Stowey Church has adapted over the centuries to meet the needs of its congregation and village, while also showing signs of wear and weathering. The tower and murals now need substantial restoration and conservation.

Heritage Fund support will help carry out this important work, ensuring the church continues to serve and be a part of the Stowey community.

Churchwarden Jill Nicol said: “We’re delighted to receive this support from National Lottery players. This award, along with other funds we are continuing to raise, will allow the work to begin in August 2024.

“We are grateful to all our supporters, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Mercers’ Charitable Foundation, ChurchCare (with financial support from the Pilgrim Trust and the Radcliffe Trust), Sabina Sutherland Trust, Idlewild Trust, St Andrew’s Conservation Trust, Somerset Churches Trust, Garfield Weston Foundation, Benefact Trust Chelwood Community Fund, and Stowey Sutton Parish Council.”

Stuart McLeod, director England, London and South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery Players, we are delighted to award The Church of St Nicholas and the Blessed Virgin Mary with a grant that not only carries out urgent repairs, but will also improve access and welcome new visitors, so that this important heritage will resonate with the community and beyond for years to come.”