St Anne's Church makeover looking good
News release issued:
News release issued by Ribbesford with Bewdley and Dowles Parochial Church Council
Phase 1 of work at St Anne’s Church, Bewdley, Worcestershire to renovate the exterior stonework is nearing completion.
This project has received £167,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, via Wyre Forest District Council. Additional funding of £85,000 has been obtained from the church and charity funds. This phase of the work started in September last year and is due to be completed in March.
St Anne’s Church is a grade II* listed Georgian building in the heart of Bewdley Town Centre Conservation Area. Bewdley Civic Society had been campaigning for this work to be undertaken for over 10 years.
Mel Beynon, Rector of St Anne’s said “It’s been wonderful to see this long awaited restoration of St Anne’s stonework happening. We’re really grateful for the Government and charity funding we’ve received, and for the help given by Wyre Forest District Council. It’s been so delightful to read the many positive comments from Bewdley people on our social
media. A big well done to Steve Allard and Sons Stone Specialists!”
“This work is a first step in our vision to transform St Anne’s into a warm and welcoming Community Hub which can host a wide variety of activities throughout the week. Design work on the interior has begun and we’ll be showcasing the initial plans at a public consultation event soon. However, before we can start transforming the inside, we need to ensure that the exterior stonework is fully restored, safe and watertight. We now need to obtain more funding to complete this part of St Anne’s Makeover.”
Councillor Dan Morehead, Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda, and Councillor for the ward of Bewdley and Rock said: “We’re delighted to play our part in the improvement of Bewdley Town Centre Conservation Area. St Anne’s is an iconic building prominently located in the middle of the main shopping street. The renovation of the exterior will have a hugely beneficial effect on the Town Centre environment and economy.”
Mark Garnier MP said: “This is an excellent use of the UK government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund. I hope that more funding will be available to complete the job. The work already done looks fantastic coming over Bewdley Bridge. It gives a great first impression of the Town for residents and visitors alike. Bewdley is a key visitor destination in the area and this work can only enhance the Town’s appeal to visitors. I’m pleased that a Worcestershire firm has been used so that local jobs are protected.”
Ian Latimer, Mayor of Bewdley said “This is good news for Bewdley. Many of us have wanted this work done for many years. The Town Council is playing its part by funding the renovation of the War Memorial which is attached to the east end of the church.”
Group photo details:
Left to right: Mark Garnier MP for Wyre Forest, Cllr Dan Morehead Wyre Forest District Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Planning and the Green Agenda, and Councillor for the ward of Bewdley and Rock, Reverend Melissa Beynon Rector of Ribbesford with Bewdley and Dowles and Wribbenhall, Cllr Ian Latimer, Mayor of Bewdley Robert Smith, Client Representative St Anne’s Church Bewdley
