St Giles’ Church, Goodrich has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for a project to carry out essential and urgent maintenance and repairs and to create a ‘Community and Heritage Corner’. The project aims to make the church building safe and watertight and secure its future as a place of worship, a historic place of interest and as a community and visitor asset.

Development funding of £15,300 has also been awarded to help St Giles’ Church progress its plans to apply for a full grant at a later date, thanks to National Lottery players.

The project aims to carry out work to the fabric of the building, provide new drainage and replace rainwater goods. It will also create community space where information about the Church, its contents, the churchyard and its heritage can be displayed and accessed by visitors.

The earliest reference to St Giles’ Church is in 1195 when it was known as the Parish Church of Castle Godric. Today’s building dates back to the 13th century and it has many features of interest including stained glass windows and historic artefacts, and the churchyard contains several notable gravestones.

Nigel Cockburn, Churchwarden told the Ross Gazette; “We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this support. St Giles’ Church has been at the heart of the community for centuries and completion of this project will enable us to ensure its protection and survival for the next generation”.