Recent News
Christian Aid Cycle Ride
This year, the parishioners of St Matthew's, St Sidwell's and St Mark's in Exeter are marking Christian Aid week in an unusual way.

Three members of the preaching team in the parishes, the rector Simon Croft and two of the readers, Tina and David Smith, are cycling across Devon in a two-day sponsored ride, on 16th & 17th May. On their way, they plan to stop and pray at the churches they pass o... More >

Other News:
NIGHTCHURCH PIONEER Course - starting June 2008.
New Cathedral Canons.
Community Priest and Pioneer Youth Minister..

Care of Churches > Links
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Access to Historic Buildings: English Heritage Guidance
These guidelines are intended for those who own, manage or occupy historic buildings. They are also intended for those who will be professionally involved in planning alterations to historic buildings or in advising on alternative forms of service provision.

The link will take you to a pdf of the guidance. Printed copies and copies in alternative formats are available free from English Heritage Customer Services (Product code 50702). e-mail : customers@english-heritage.org.uk http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/upload/pdf/EH_EasyAccess_2004.pdf
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Archaeology - Why it matters
The Archaeology Forum (TAF), formerly the Historic Environment Forum, has brought out a new advocacy document 'Archaeology Enriches us All' to explain why archaeology matters. http://www.britarch.ac.uk/archforum/enriches.pdf
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CHURCHart
CHURCHart exists to encourage artists, congregations, and those involved in the care of churches to foster and engage the arts in the life of the church.
Contains information on how to commission and fund new art work. http://www.churchart.co.uk
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Churchcare
Information about fundraising, guidance for new churchwardens and all sorts details on different aspects of maintaining church fabric and developing your church building. http://www.churchcare.co.uk
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Church Safety
Helpful information regarding Health and Safety http://www.churchsafety.org.uk
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Church Plans On-Line
This is useful for research on your building. Some 12,300 plans are included in these files which, in some instances, are the only surviving evidence for the layout of the church before restoration. http://www.churchplansonline.org
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The Conservation Foundation
The Conservation Foundation was founded to provide a means for people in public, private and non-profit sectors to collaborate on environmental causes. In terms of churches, see the 'Parish Pumps Programme' section of the website; the Programme is organised in association with the Public Affairs Division of the Church of England. It brings news and information on sustainable living, provides funding for community projects and organises events on topical sustainable consumption and production issues. http://www.conservationfoundation.co.uk
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Conservation Register
The Conservation Register makes information available on conservation-restoration businesses providing commercial services in a variety of specialisms, many of which will be useful to churches seeking specialist help. http://www.conservationregister.com
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Disability advice - Through the Roof
Through the Roof is a Christian disability ministry working in partnership with churches and other organisations to promote access and inclusion of disabled people in every area of church life. http://www.throughtheroof.org
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English Heritage 'Inspired!' campaign
English Heritage's campaign, launched on 11 May 2006, to address the problem of the huge shortfall in funds for historic places of worship. Full of interesting statistics and help, and a direct link to lobby the Chancellor of the Exchequer. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/inspired
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Funds for Historic Buildings
A comprehensive guide to funding for anyone seeking to repair, restore or convert for a new use any historic building in England and Wales. http://www.fundsforhistoricbuildings.org.uk
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Images of England
A useful starting point when exloring what makes your church special when beginning to draw up the PCC's Statement of Significance of the building. http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/
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Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme
Information on how to reclaim VAT on church repairs. http://www.lpwscheme.org.uk
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Maintain Your Building
Information on the best ways to maintain your buildings from the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings http://www.maintainyourbuilding.org.uk
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Maintenance Plans
English Heritage guidance on maintenance plans for historic places of worship. Directed at those applying for an EH grant, but useful for all churches. Maintenance Plan leaflet to download can be found near bottom of link page. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.1122
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Making Changes to a Listed Church
Guidelines for clergy, churchwardens and PCCs from the Rule Committee of General Synod http://www.cofe.anglican.org/about/churchlawlegis/faq/mctlc.doc
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Parish Resources for Stewardship
Church of England's Stewardship website, with much useful information for parishes on this issue including information on giving, Gift Aid, a Stewardship Toolkit for Rural Churches, and much more. http://www.parishresources.org.uk/
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Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB)
The SPAB represents the practical and positive side of conservation.
They are also one of the National Amenity Societies who may need to be consulted on significant changes to listed church buildings.

They have a free telephone advice line for technical advice.
SPAB Techncial Advice Line (9.30am-12.30pm)

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 0207 456 0916 http://www.spab.org.uk
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The Georgian Group
One of the National Amenity Societies who advise on buildings of the period 1700 to 1837. They may need to be consulted on significant changes to listed churches or fittings of this period. http://www.georgiangroup.org.uk
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The Victorian Society
One of the National Amenity Societies who advise on buildings of the period 1837 to 1914. They may need to be consulted on significant changes to listed churches or fittings of this period. http://www.victoriansociety.org.uk
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The Twentieth Century Society
One of the National Amenity Societies who advise on buildings of the period from 1914 to the present day. They may need to be consulted on significant changes to listed churches or fixtures and fittings from this period. http://www.c20society.org.uk
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Turret Clocks
Personal website of Mr Chris McKay (professional member and Director of the British Horological Institute (BHI)) containing many useful documents to download regarding the conservation and maintenance of Church Turret Clocks. http://homepages.tesco.net/chris.mckay/index.html