The National Churches Trust has begun its search for the best churches in the UK via their National Church Awards, with nominations now open to find 15 winners across five categories, with several awards reserved for churches in the four home nations.
The awards recognise achievements in conservation, tourism and volunteer work. Nominations are welcomed from churches, chapels and meeting houses across the UK, which are currently open for worship, with all churches, chapels and meeting houses invited to take part. This includes those cared for by a single building Trust, and we will accept one nomination from multi building Trusts. And for the many church groups in the UK that don’t have a dedicated space for worship, nominations can still be made through the Volunteer and Lifetime Achievements categories. This year the awards have been inspired by the work and legacy of Lord Patrick Cormack, following his death in February. Recognised as a champion of church buildings, Lord Cormack dedicated his life to helping to keep the UK’s churches open and in use – working with many different organisations to make this happen. An expert panel of judges will review all entries, selecting around 45 finalists and 15 winners. The awards will be presented at a prestigious ceremony held in the chapter house of Lincoln Cathedral on 22 October, an event which will also be live-streamed.
Categories
- Care & Conservation Awards – Celebrate the great care taken of churches, chapels and meeting houses across the UK. They honour the dedication and time spent maintaining the buildings, keeping them safe and able to serve local people for generations to come.
- Church & Community Volunteers Awards – Centre around the brilliant contribution that volunteers make to both caring for and making best use of churches, and especially using churches to reach out to local communities and using the building as a hub for activity.
- Open for Visitors Awards – In every corner of the UK, they love seeing how churches, chapels and meeting houses are providing a wonderful welcome to visitors and how they’re sharing their building with others.
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Recognises a person or team’s lifetime dedication to a particular church, chapel or meeting house or to places of worship in general. It celebrates the achievement dedicating time, care and love for more than 25 years towards this cause.
How to make a nomination
Visit their awards webpage, where you can click through to each category and download questions and guidelines, and make your nomination: https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/impact/awards
Timeline
- Submit your nomination by Saturday 31 August 2024
- The results will be announced at the National Church Awards ceremony at Lincoln Cathedral on Tuesday 22 October 2024
If you have any questions or problems please email hello@nationalchurchestrust.org
