Community Spirit Sends Church to National Final

Date published: 19/08/2005

St. Clements Church in Spotland has made it to a national competition final, for its range of activities that help the church to be part of the local community.

The Ecclesiastical Insurance’s competition has recognised the church for its services including everything from adult day care services, special needs groups, weight watchers and heritage open weekends.

The competition was organised following the publicising of a report produced by the Church Heritage Forum entitled ‘Building Faith in our Future’, which recognised that although activity in church buildings makes a huge contribution to the life of their communities these achievements are under pressure. Volunteers and regular churchgoers need new partnerships with public bodies and the wider community to help them sustain those achievements for the future.

Paula Griffiths, Head of the Church of England’s Cathedral and Church Building Division and one of the competition’s judges said: “St. Clements is a shining example of how successful communities grow, using people’s talents to the full.”

Entries were received from 36 dioceses around the country, and were judged on the links they’ve made with local communities, trusts, charities, businesses, education authorities, tourist authorities or cultural bodies.

The overall winner and two runners up will be announced on 17 November at a presentation ceremony held at Windsor Castle. First prize is £1,500, with second and third prizes of £750 and £500 respectively. The top 12 finalists will all feature in Ecclesiastical’s 2006 calendar with a national circulation.