[A] twelfth century Lakeland church has just received a funding boost in the form of £23,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The funding will mean that urgent re-pointing work in order to preserve it for future generations, along with activities to share the architectural and historical heritage of St Michael’s Church, Barton can now be carried out.
Located between the villages of Tirril and Pooley Bridge, Barton Church is a popular and much-loved local place of worship that has played a part in the lives of thousands of locals over the centuries. Dating back to the 12th century, it has celebrated the key moments in the year for the local community as well as births, marriages and deaths of generations of Barton parishioners as well as families from the Penrith area and much further afield.
However time and weather have taken their toll on this historic building and its last inspection highlighted the need for some major re-pointing work to the exterior walls and particularly to the tower. The project is estimated to cost in the region of £40,000.
Undeterred by the potential costs, last year members of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) initiated a project to secure the funds to undertake all the re-pointing work needed. To date, pledges from the local community total over £15,000 with another £8000 of funding having been secured from other grants including Headley, Allchurches and Franklin Trusts.
Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding has been a huge boost to fundraisers who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to get the project off the ground. As well as the repointing work, the grant will enable the PCC to develop a new leaflet, website and social media presence to help better engage locals and visitors alike with Barton Church.
Henry Pitt, Churchwarden, commented: “We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us such significant support for our project. Their grant, together with the wonderful response to our appeal to the local community and the generous grants received from the Headley, AllChurches, Franklin and Alan Evans Memorial Trusts will enable us to proceed with the re-pointing work. Furthermore the HLF grant also includes funds for the wider dissemination and promotion of the architectural, historical and religious heritage of St Michael’s through the professional development of a new website, an illustrated information leaflet and other publicity activities.”
It is hoped that the repointing work will begin later this year once the weather conditions are more favourable. Members of the public can still make a pledge; please contact PCC Treasurer, Cyril Wilson by email at [email protected] or by phone on 01768 486990 for a Pledge form. Please note all pledges are made in strictest confidence.
Barton Church is located between the villages of Tirril and Pooley Bridge and is open to visitors at all times. Details of all regular services can be found here: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/barton-st-michael/
