The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings

SPAB
37 Spital Square
LONDON
E1 6DY

T: 020 7377 1644
F: 020 7247 5296
E: info@spab.org.uk

Charity No. 111 3753

Company No.  5743962

VAT No. 577 4276 02

 

*SPAB's Faith In Maintenance Courses for Volunteers Caring for Listed Places of Worship*
*Dates:* From May 2007
*Venues:* Across the UK

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) is embarking on a unique project to provide training for people of all faith groups in England and Wales to help them care for their listed places of worship. The project, known as Faith in Maintenance, has been supported by generous grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and others.
  Places of worship are integral to the landscape of Britain, representing centuries of faith, craftsmanship and design. Many of our most precious faith-related buildings are in desperate need of repair and rely on the help of local volunteers.   SPAB will run 30 tailor-made "Faith In Maintenance" courses each year, training over 6,000 volunteers to look after a variety of these buildings in both England and Wales.  Along with protecting significant historic structures, the project will also encourage more people to become actively involved in their local community's heritage.

"Faith in Maintenance" courses will start from May 2007, but are expected to be popular so enquiries are welcome from the start of SPAB's annual awareness week, National Maintenance Week, which this year runs from 17-24 November.

There will be 32 courses across England and Wales each year and two of those will be aimed at young people. To date, 26 venues for courses have been identified in locations including Bangor, Bristol, Cardiff, Carmarthen, Chester Le Street, Dewsbury, Guildford, Hove, Ipswich, Kidderminster, Lincoln, Manchester (x2), Northampton, Portsmouth, Ramsey (Isle of Man), South Devon and Somerset.

Five courses a year will be held in London for the Diocese of London, Diocese of Southwark, the Jewish community in London, Roman Catholics, Methodists and those of other faiths and denominations who have listed places of worship.

Enquiries about these courses can be made by phoning SPAB HQ on tel: 020 7456 0913, or e-mail: info@spabfim.org.uk websit: www.spabfim.org.uk