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Minor Works Assistance
Grant Applications
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Minor Works Assistance
The Essex Association of Change Ringers award grants to bell restoration projects. Under the present system, grant applications are made in advance of works being carried out, and are paid after the granting of a faculty and satisfactory completion of the works. The guidelines describe Category 1 as being for new installations and Category 2 for “Essential repairs to existing installations, especially where they are liable to fall into an unringable state”. However, the guidelines also state “Routine maintenance will not normally be considered.”
There is a constant need for maintenance in District towers and we suspect much of this is either overlooked or deferred for lack of finance. Many churches in Essex, particularly those in rural areas and in large benefices, are in general not well endowed and funds for such works are very limited. Absence of regular maintenance at local level, whether from lack of knowledge or someone able to carry out such work, is the cause of many problems. Belfry maintenance is a priority - without bells there can be no ringing and if bells are difficult to ring there will be fewer ringers able and willing to ring them.
Grant applications for minor works will be considered by the Grants Sub-committee as soon as practicable and as a matter of urgency. The maximum grant likely to be offered for minor works will be £250.
Grant aid is not provided for bell-ropes, with either grant aid scheme.
