Paul Spychal, Church Warden at Great Yarmouth Minster, updates us on some encouraging progress in their development plan to “green” the Minster.
“I am really pleased to announce that the Great Yarmouth Minster has successfully become a Net Zero Demonstrator Church. This means we will receive a substantive grant, specialist technical advice and fundraising support towards our ambitious net zero plans.
“We have also been working on a preliminary application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a large grant, to help us to carry out our ambitious plans. The application known as an Expression of Interest was recently submitted. I am pleased to write that our initial Expression of Interest was successful. We now move on to preparing a bid for the Development Stage of the Project. We have not received anything yet from the National Lottery Heritage Fund but are determined to target a substantial grant. Watch this space!
“A reminder of our plans overall:
- Net zero heating installation and insulation. This will maintain a comfortable temperature inside the building throughout the year and help to conserve our unique heritage features. Excess generation of electricity will be used to improve the sustainability of the church for many years to come.
- Greening the churchyard to promote biodiversity and to encourage community use. This includes ‘talking’ seating, a limestone circular performance and meeting area, a more welcoming southern entry to the churchyard, phased and interlinking biodiverse spaces, a pond area and ‘heritage digital engagement.’
- Identifying and conserving the ‘At Risk’ parts of the historic building. These ‘At Risk’ elements have been identified by our Church Architect and are mainly situated at the north of the church in the tower area. We do not want the Church to fall-down!
- Internal improvements to welcome and nurture users of the Minster. These include additional toilets, a new kitchen and welcome area in the south-west aisle, a glass entry porch to keep out the bitter draughts, the creation of a community space, refurbishment of our existing storage area and improved seating.
- Community engagement through a planned and exciting programme of activities. This will necessitate the appointment of a Community Engagement Officer to further promote our links with the wider community in Great Yarmouth.”
For help with net zero advice, contact Ed Cotterill: ed.cotterill@dioceseofnorwich.org
For help with eco church and biodiversity advice, contact Barbara Bryant: barbara.bryant@dioceseofnorwich.org