Churches Win Awards

Grants were awarded on Tuesday to two local churches by the Northamptonshire Historic Churches Trust.

St Mary Magdalene Church in Helmdon, which dates back to the 13th century, received £1000 from the trust towards replacing the heating system and reinstating flooring.

And Marston St Lawrence Church will use their £500 award to install a reconditioned organ from a chapel near Skelmersdale in Lancashire to their church.

The trust makes an award of grants each year to needy churches across the county.

Chairman Peter Haddon said "I am delighted that the trust is able to help safeguard these churches in this way."

Last year saw £34,500 raised for conservation across the county, through the trust's sponsored bicycle ride around local churches.

This year's bike ride takes place on Saturday, September 13 and celebrates 50 years of the national Historic Churches Trust movement.

If you would like to get involved in the ride or organisation, contact Sue Parkinson on 01604 712966 or Jenny Monk on 01604 891753.

The Banbury Guardian - 10th July 2003