Work to conserve stained glass windows in need of repair atSt Laurence's Church in Alvechurch is about to start, now that a grant has beenreceived from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). The churchs windows andsurrounding crumbling stonework have been damaged by weather over thelast 160 years, since the last extensive conservation work took place in the1850s.
The church has received 113,700 from HLF, which boosted the significant funding already raised from the local community.
Vanessa Harbar, Head of HLF West Midlands, said We havebeen delighted to support St Laurence Church in Alvechurch to carry out urgentrepairs and engage new audiences with this much-loved local landmark.
Repairing the windows and surrounding stonework willpreserve the heritage of this Grade 2* listed church, and help ensure the building is more weather-tight. Several of the windows were designed and made by famous glass artists and containsome unique features.
A spokesperson from the church said: Thanks to the support of ourcongregation, our local community and the Heritage Lottery Fund, we are able toembark on the necessary repair works. Its great to know that we are a stepcloser to preserving the heritage for future generations.
St Laurence is a Grade 2* listed building extensively rebuilt inthe 1850s by the noted architect William Butterfield. A church has been on thesite since at least Saxon times. The current building serves as a focal pointin the village and is well used, not only for worship but for a variety ofcommunity activities.
