Consultation leaflet

Project Proposal
PDF file, updated March 2008

Norfolk has over 600 medieval and historic churches representing the largest concentration of such buildings in the world.

The Diocese of Norwich aims to develop a network of at least 40 parish churches, which will act as centres for the interpretation and promotion of this internationally important part of our heritage.

• To increase opportunities for local people, visitors and pilgrims to have access to historic churches and churchyards – enabling everyone to benefit from their social, cultural and spiritual value.
  
  
• To enhance understanding of the heritage value represented by medieval and historic churches – leading to greater involvement and participation in their conservation and management.
  
  
• To increase visitor numbers to historic and medieval churches throughout the Norfolk and Waveney area – adding value to economic development initiatives in rural areas where many churches are located.
  
  
• To train large numbers of volunteers in heritage promotion techniques, interpretation and visitor management services – raising the quality of the visitor experience.

The Project will be managed by the Diocese of Norwich and delivered through the employment of a dedicated full time officer for a period of five years. The project officer will be supported by a management budget that will enable the provision of a wide range of informati on and education resources. These include:

• High quality leaflets and display boards promoting selected churches and interpreting their heritage features.
  
  
• An education resource pack supporting and increasing the use of churches by schools and other educational establishments throughout the Project area.
  
  
• An annual programme of heritage based events and activities promoting churches and their historical features and cultural associations.
  
  
• Cycling and walking trails that link churches and other places of heritage interest.
  
  
• A minimum of 20 training days catering for up to 400 volunteers.

The total cost of the Project has been calculated at £400,000 during its five year period of operation. The Diocese has already earmarked a significant level of funding to go towards meeting these costs and the balance is being sought from a variety of national and local organisations including the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Based on experience derived from a pilot project operated in the Norfolk Broads a minimum of 40 ‘Gateway Churches’ will be established throughout the project area. These will provide the basis from which many other churches will be able to derive inspiration and ideas. Churches selected to become Gateways for the project will share a number of characteristics. These include being:

• open during daylight hours
• situated close to public transport links and centres of population
• accessible for wheelchair/pushchair users
• committed to developing a comprehensive visitor welcome plan

Your views are important to us. Contact:

The Venerable David Hayden, Archdeacon of Norfolk
Tel: 01603 702477 / E-mail:
Address: 8 Boulton Road, Thorpe St Andrew, Norwich NR7 0DF