Churches Tourism

Throughout our Diocese we have many Churches that contain fascinating features that would appeal to a wide range of visitors. These can range from historic stained glass to unique historical links, unusual architectural features to just simply being a very special place of repose. Sadly though, we often forget just how much value our Churches can be outside of the usual round of organised worship.

With this in mind, the Diocese is launching a pilot project to evaluate how to communicate our treasures to a wider world via modern communication tools. Funded by The Leicestershire Rural Partnership, the project will be based on a selection of 10 Churches from across the Diocese, each one offering some form of uniqueness. The aim is to have the pilot running by the end of June such that we can capitalise on the summer holiday period.

As part of the Rural Working Group, this initiative will have as its first focus Churches that are located outside of the main urban centres of the Diocese. The selection of these will take place during the month of May, and we are very happy to receive any suggestions as to specific places to include.

Please contact Peter Hooper for further details 0116 239 4606 or peter@hoopers.orangehome.co.uk

- English Heritage to Support  Congregations Looking After Listed Churches, Chapels, Synagogues, Meeting Houses, Gurdwaras, Temples and Mosques –

What condition are England’s listed churches and other historic faith buildings really in and what will most help the congregations whose task it is to maintain them? Most of the country’s 14,500 listed places of worship are in good condition and are a huge asset to their communities, thanks almost entirely to the work of volunteers. Many are adapting to incorporate crèches, cafés and post offices alongside worship. But some are struggling simply to keep open. The cost of maintaining these beautiful buildings is an on-going challenge, not least because what makes them special within our landscape is also what makes them more costly to repair than less spectacular buildings. (more…)

The Churches Tourism Association held its annual meeting in Coventry on 4th November.  The report is attached herewith and makes interesting reading for any church that is looking for ideas to extend its welcome to the congregation and to the community, as well as to tourists.  Also very helpful is the website for Coventry-based Divine Inspiration  -  http://www.divine-inspiration.org.uk/

CTA newsletter November 09