Major grant boost for church appeal (From Western Telegraph)

Major grant boost for church appeal

St Mary's Church, Haverfordwest, has been granted £490,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund towards the first crucial phase of its £1.2m restoration project.

It is rare for a parish church to receive such a large HLF grant and St Mary's may be among the last before new rules limit such handouts to a maximum of £100,000. Now the church hopes to see a start on the first phase of the scheme before Christmas. Phase one entails the repair of the leaking roof and walls to make the eight-centuries-old building secure again for public use.

Cadw has also approved a grant of £80,000 which, with the church's own fundraising efforts, and those of the Friends of St Mary's, who have already donated £7,000, provides a healthy boost.

Restoration Appeal secretary, Major John Warren, said: "The HLF grant is a tremendous vote of confidence in the St Mary's project and a watershed for possible future funding. We have been very encouraged by generous donations from such organisations as the Haverfordwest Lions and individuals who have no connection with St Mary's but who recognise its value to the town."

The vicar, Canon Derek Evans, commented: "This substantial grant reflects the importance of St Mary's as a building. It will be a great help towards the £683,446 cost of phase one, and we hope it will encourage uncertain would-be donors to help us raise the £70,000 or so we need."

Church warden Mrs Pat Barker said: "The grant reflects the architectural and historical importance of St Mary's and its potential for community use."

Commenting on the Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £490,000 to St Mary's Church, Haverfordwest, HLF Wales manager Jennifer Stewart said: "St Mary's is central to the ongoing regeneration of Haverfordwest's old town. The completion of the first phase of its restoration will enable the church to continue as the focal point of numerous community activities,."

The Perrott's Trust has also made a generous grant of £5,000 to the restoration appeal.