Anita Mansell, former Churchwarden at Holy Trinity, Old Hill in Dudley is one of seven volunteers who have won the first MarshChurch and Community Volunteer Awards by making a real difference to their church and to their communities
The MarshChurch and Community Volunteer Awards celebrate people who have had great ideasabout using their church building, have contributed significantly to thesustainability of their church building, or who have helped their localcommunity through or in their church building with exceptional dedication andkindness.
The awardsare run jointly by the National Churches Trust, the UKs church buildingsupport charity, and the Marsh Christian Trust. The winners were announced atan awards ceremony at St Pauls Cathedral in London on 26 June. Eachwinner has won 250.
Anita was nominated by Historic Buildings and Community Development Officer, Andrew Mottram, who said: "Without Anita's efforts I think the building would have been seriously at risk.
Anita led the essential building work to enable Holy Trinity Old Hill to beused to serve the community for the next 100 years. She became churchwardenof the church in 2011, and was determined to take responsibility for thebuilding, writing funding bids,liaising with architects, the church council, diocesan officers, and communitygroups. The work included a new roof, and major tower repairs. Anita promoted apositive view of the building as a heritage asset. The church now runs a numberof activities for children and young people.
Anita said: "I'm delighted to have received the firstaward for the Central England area. The award recognises volunteercontributions to the sustainability of their church buildings. It was a specialday at St Paul's Cathedral, celebrating with my family and other awardwinners."
The Revd NickGowers, Vicar of Holy Trinity Old Hill, said: Anita's passion and commitment to see our1876 building remain open each day so we can serve our community isextraordinary.
The judges forthe Marsh Innovative Church Project Awards were: Luke March DL, Chairman of theNational Churches Trust; Emily Reeves and Annie McCarthy, from the MarshChristian Trust; and Sam Jones, Managing Director of community musicorganisation Soundthread.
Claire Walker, Chief Executive of theNational Churches Trust, said:
The work ofthe seven volunteers who have won a Marsh Church and Community Volunteer Awardis truly inspiring. I amdelighted that the National Churches Trust was able to celebrate theirdedication to churches and to their communities at St Pauls Cathedral, thanksto the support of the Marsh Christian Trust. Churches,chapels and meeting houses are at the centre of communities in England, Wales,Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is thanks to the tireless work of thesevolunteers, and many thousands more, that they are open and welcoming to all.
Brian Marsh OBE, Chairman of theMarsh Christian Trust, said:
We set upthis Award with the National Churches Trust to recognise the excellent workbeing done by church volunteers in transforming their places of worship and tohelp expand their work in addressing local need within their communities.Wehope that the Award will help highlight the outstanding efforts of thesevolunteers in reaching out and supporting those in need.
There were 14 finalists and Anita won the award for the Central England area. Another finalist from this area was Derek Skeys from St. Peters church in Pirton who was nominated by Architect, Nick Joyce.
