Thanks toNational Lottery players work will be starting at St Edmund King and Martyrjust after Easter. The project will undertake much needed repairs to the churchtower and create a new kitchen and toilet as well as a display about thehistory of the church. The work will be completed thanks to a generous grantfrom The Heritage Lottery Fund as well as smaller awards from The WolfsonFoundation and the Garfield Weston Foundation.
Alongsidethe building conservation work, the church community is looking for volunteersto help with a project that will create a new exhibition about the history ofthe church and the specialist skills involved in repairing it, ready forHeritage Open Days in September.Theyare also looking to form a Friends Group of people interested in the buildingand its history.
TreasurerJon Harcourt said:
Were delighted that after a great deal of hard work, ourlovely church will be restored to its former glory. Its been on HeritageEnglands at risk register for some time due to the poor state of the towerroof, damaged stone work, brickwork, failed pointing and broken rainwatergoods.This is a fantastic opportunityfor repairs to be made and for the community to get involved in the church to helpprovide a place where the history of this part of Dudley can be enjoyed.
Director ofHLF West Midlands Vanessa Harbar says:
We have been delighted to support St Edmund King and Martyr to carry out urgent repairs and engage newaudiences with this much-loved local landmark. Thank you to the NationalLottery players who have made it possible.
Specialistconservation architects, Oliver Architects and builders Stone Edge will beworking on the project and project advice and support is being provided by theDiocese of Worcester Church Buildings Team.
For safetyreasons, although the pattern of Wednesday and Sunday services will continue,the church will be closed whilst work is underway.
If you areinterested in being involved in the history project, have pictures orinformation about the church or might want to become a Friend of Bottom Church,please contact the church via the web site details at https://stedmundsdudley.wordpress.com/the-team
