Historic Grosmont church gets £100k grant boost (From South Wales Argus)

Historic Grosmont church gets £100k grant boost

2:02pm Wednesday 27th May 2009 in News By Kath Skellon

AN ambitious project to restore a village church in Monmouthshire was given a financial boost.

Parishioners in Grosmont, aiming to raise the £300,000 needed to carry out urgent repairs and restoration to St Nicholas’ Church, have been awarded almost £100,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The Rev Dr Jean Prosser, whose parish includes Llangattock, Llanfair Gilgoed and Skenfrith, said the funding will be used to correct the building's leaning spire.

"This is the first stage of the restoration, which we hope to begin in the autumn and complete next year," said Rev Prosser. "The £99,950 will be used to repair the spire and roof which is leaking. The spire will be taken down and rebuilt."

The church dates back to the early 1200s and has one of the largest medieval naves in a village church in South Wales. Other essential repairs include rebuilding the drains and soak away to stop water entering the building at ground level, together with re-plastering the internal walls affected by damp. The congregation has already raised enough funds to install an oil central heating system in the worship area. Plans also include providing community facilities such as a kitchen and toilet for concerts and village events.

A special restoration group has been formed to oversee the project.

To get involved in the project contact Jane Fleming on 01981 241220 or log onto www.grosmont.org for details of fundraising events.