Seven churches make finalists in National Church Awards

Submissions for the National Church Awards came in from every UK nation and now the finalists have been announced – including seven churches from Wales/Cymru.

The National Church Awards is organised by the National Churches Trust in partnership with the Pilgrim Trust, Marsh Charitable Trust, the Ecclesiastical Architects & Surveyors Association and Mercers’ Company.

Churches across the UK were able to nominate churches and their buildings for awards in architecture, maintenance, volunteering and tourism.

Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said:

“Churches have an amazing story to tell – from their beautiful buildings to the faithful volunteers who keep them open and serving everyone in need. Through our research, we know that churches contribute £55 billion towards economic and social good each year and reading through the submissions, it was clear that churches are active across the UK in using their buildings to bring communities together and to help them to thrive.”

Exciting entries and fabulous finalists

The awards are:

• Nayler Awards for Excellence in Church Maintenance shine a light on the people who look after local churches
• Church and Community Volunteer Awards celebrate the vital contribution which volunteers make to benefit local communities and people
• Open for Visitors Awards champion churches who welcome visitors and tell their story
• King of Prussia Gold Medal is for innovative, high quality church conservation or repair work
• Presidents’ Award celebrates the best new church building, including re-ordering, extensions or alterations to existing church buildings
• Young Architect or Surveyor of the Year celebrates up-and-coming talent
• Friends Award, gives Friends (members) of the National Churches Trust the opportunity to help us select a church we have recently funded to receive an additional grant
• Church of the Year is the pinnacle award that celebrates a church that fulfils its potential and makes a mark on its community and beyond

From eco-churches to community cafés, running tower tours to hosting festivals and concerts, the finalists for the National Church Awards make an impressive and diverse list. There are also churches that have carried out impressive maintenance work in order to keep their buildings in brilliant condition, so that they can continue to be used by everyone. Discover all of our finalists here.

Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, continued:

“The finalists for the National Church Awards show the innovative ways that churches can use their buildings to the benefit of all. All are shining examples of churches being open and welcoming and making a significant difference in their local communities.”

Seven churches from Wales/Cymru make the finals

Churches from Wales/Cymru that are finalists in the awards include:

• Llangunnor Parish Church for the Maintenance Award
• Holy Trinity Church in Trefnant for the Volunteer Awards
• Bethel Garden Village in Wrexham for the Volunteer Awards
• St Patrick Church in Llanbadrig for the Tourism Awards
• St Peter Church in Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd for the Tourism Awards
• St Michael Church in Llanfihangel y Creuddyn for the Tourism Awards
• St Nefydd & St Mary Church in Llannefydd

Gareth Simpson, Support Officer for Wales/Cymru for the National Churches Trust, said:

“It is great to see so many churches from Wales listed as finalists. What a brilliant testimony to how churches in Wales are opening their doors to visitors and supporting their local communities.”

The awards ceremony will take place on Monday 6 November at Mercers’ Hall, London with shortlisted churches invited. The ceremony will be presented by Comedian and Actor Hugh Dennis and Canon Ann Easter, former Chaplain to Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with guest of honour HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO, Vice Patron of the National Churches Trust.