With our funding, a local Ludlow firm will carry out repairs to the tower, spire, weathervane and roof from summer 2026 to make the building wind and watertight. The repairs aim to remove the church from Historic England's Heritage at Risk register and secure its future as welcoming place for the community.
Alongside the building work, a programme of nature and heritage-themed community activities for local people will include:
- a new church website and historical timeline visitor display
- botanical art workshops inspired by the churchyard’s flowers
- bird and bat boxes made from old material removed from the spire during repairs
- a community needlework project to conserve Victorian altar frontals, guided by embroidery experts from Hereford Cathedral
- hard hat visits during construction
Taster days in traditional building skills, like lime plastering and repointing stonework, could also train people who care for the church to undertake small jobs themselves. Keeping on top of the building’s regular maintenance may help to avoid large repair bills in the future.
Reverend Lawrence Gittins, priest in charge of the Tenbury Wells team, which includes St John the Baptist Church in Nash, said: “You can feel the history and the countless prayers that have been said here as soon as you enter through its ancient doorway. Funding will ensure that this historic building can continue as a valued centre of faith in the local community for many years to come.”