A STONEMASON has carved a new block bearing the Allchurches Trust logo into an ‘at risk’ 13th century gatehouse at Worcester Cathedral, celebrating the £10,000 Allchurches Trust grant which will help save the crumbling tower and the launch of the Trust’s new website.
Allchurches Trust, one of the UK’s largest grant-giving charities, features the story of rescuing the tower on its new website at www.allchurches.co.uk, where it will be easier for people to find out about its work and apply for grants.
It also features other beneficiary stories; celebrating in words and pictures the positive impact that the churches, charities and community projects that Allchurches funds has on people’s lives.
A short video on the homepage shows Allchurches Trust’s logo being carved into a block by Saul Sheldon, one of seven Worcester Cathedral stonemasons. He is seen carving the roundel from the Allchurches logo into a block of Forest of Dean sandstone. The charity’s full name is Allchurches Trust Limited, hence the initials ATL.
James Laing, Allchurches Trust’s Director of Grants and Relationships, said: “We were delighted to be able to give Worcester Cathedral £10,000 to help save their beautiful 13th century gatehouse known as the Edgar Tower, which is on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register.
“Sadly, some of the original stone blocks are too crumbly to be replaced so the cathedral has invited the public to make contributions towards new ones. For any donation over £50, you can have your initials carved into the stone. We thought we’d ask for ours!
“It’s fantastic to be able to share news of this grant on the homepage of our new website as we carve our name in stone and in cyberspace at the same time.
“The new website will give people a greater understanding of what we do and to learn more about the work of the causes and projects we support. It shows our focus on social action, how we help people at their time of greatest need and the role we play in building communities through our support of churches and charities throughout the UK and Ireland. It represents who we are now and where we’re heading.”
Saul Sheldon said: “It was a pleasure to take part in this film and to be able to promote the good work of Allchurches Trust. I’m shown using skills employed on a daily basis by the masons and carvers here at the Cathedral to conserve, restore and ensure the survival of our beautiful complex of buildings.”
Last year Allchurches Trust grants totalled £15.6 million, with funds coming from its ownership of Ecclesiastical Insurance Group.
