The Berkshire Historic Churches Trust was set up in 1984. Its objective is to raise funds to help with the cost of repairs to the fabric of Christian churches in Berkshire of any denomination belonging to or associated with Churches Together in England.
The Trust’s aim is to encourage churches to make use of their buildings for the benefit of the community at large if this can be achieved without compromising the architectural quality of the church. As its funds are small it can only grant aid works other than to the fabric of the worship area if they are of some architectural or historical importance.
The Trust is supported entirely by voluntary subscriptions, donations and legacies. The more money it receives, the more help it can give. Between 1988 and 2022 the Trust has given away over £700,000 in grants varying in size between £200 and £10,000. In the financial year 2021-22, it supported three projects: the restoration of the Victorian tiled floor at All Saints, Boyne Hill; the replacement of three old boilers at St Joseph’s RC Church in Maidenhead; and major repairs and restoration being undertaken at St Mary’s Church, East Ilsley.
The latest Annual Report is available to read here. A copy of our latest newsletter, September 2024, is available here.
Ride+Stride, the annual fund-raiser for the Berkshire Historic Churches Trust, took place this year on Saturday 14th September. We are so grateful to all riders and striders who this year enjoyed a perfect autumn day for their endeavours. Half the money they raised will be paid direct to their nominated church – the other half will help to support other churches in need of help throughout Berkshire.
A message from our Joint President, former Lord Lieutenant of Royal Berkshire, James Puxley
Being a Berkshire resident almost all of my life I have come across many very beautiful and historic churches scattered throughout the county. As the former Bishop of Reading has remarked, one finds these lovely buildings on hilltops, nestling in the folds of hills, or on bends in rivers, all there waiting to be discovered. The repair and maintenance of these churches is beyond the means of most of the communities which they serve. The Berkshire Churches Trust exists to help maintain and restore these hidden gems and to alleviate the struggle to do so faced by the parishes. Many local parochial church councils are deeply grateful to the Trust for their support encouragement and help. Your help will enable our churches to remain open, not only for today but for many generations to come.
James Puxley
