John Betjeman Award now open

Is there a faith building repair project in your community that you're proud of? It might be eligible for the SPAB’s John Betjeman Award.

Repairs must have taken place in the last 18 months and the award is made for the repair or conservation of the fabric, fittings or furnishings of churches, chapels or other faith buildings in England or Wales (and in the Isle of Man) which remain in use for worship. However, cathedrals of any denomination are not eligible.

This award always made to a building rather than to an individual or individuals – so this is a chance for parishes and congregations of all denominations to highlight the quality of work completed in their place of worship.

The John Betjeman Award judges will be looking at each project to make sure it meets certain criteria such as the appropriateness and honesty of the repair that minimises the loss of original fabric; expert craftsmanship; and how the project engaged the community.

Previous winners have included:

• The Death Reawakened Project to research and conserve wall paintings at the Guild Chapel of the Holy Cross in Stratford upon Avon
• The Portico Project at St Pancras, Euston Road, London.
• St Michael and All Angels, Bishop’s Cleeve, Gloucestershire for the repair of its unique medieval oak staircase.

The Award closes on 26 February 2019. Please visit the John Betjeman Award page for more information or to apply.