National Church Awards winners 2024

Church of the Year

The pinnacle award that celebrates a church that fulfils its potential and makes a mark on its community and beyond. It's a shining example of a sustainable church – one that is relevant, looked after, in use and open for all.

Richard and Charles Cormack joined Sir Philip Rutnam, Chair of the National Churches Trust, to reveal the overall winner. Sir Philip, told the audience why the judges made that choice: 

“The judges really loved the inclusiveness and celebration of diversity within their community. They seem to have embraced being a hub for the community and they look like they have fun! The activities with the dementia club are fabulous and they liked that they recognise the individual skills of volunteers.” 

And the winner is: St James the Great, Aslackby, near Sleaford,  Lincolnshire

Aslackby is a tiny, isolated village of 100 dwellings. The building was influenced by the Knights. Templar, and has a simple, unadorned character. 

In their awards submission, the volunteers explained: “Our affection for this well-loved building has not blinded us to the fact that it presents enormous challenges. Our church remains a spiritual centre but has been made accessible to a range of people and become a social hub. People are not intimidated by it but see it as a community place for learning, peace, hope, fun and activity.” 

They put forward their star community activity as “the unique audio trail created with our volunteers and people living with dementia. Five ethereal historic characters sit in church ready to tell their story, as recorded by our dementia friends."

In accepting the award Chris Gudgin, Denise Gudgin and Kate Marshall told the audience:

“This award is just fantastic. It crowns a wonderful year. Three weeks ago we held a party in the church to celebrate the end of a project to ‘Repair The Roofs And Bring Church And Village History To Life’ funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Since our Dementia Friendly Award about ten years ago we have been working with the charity Dementia Support South Lincs on a regular basis. We could not have foreseen the depth of engagement that first hand investigation and experimentation stimulated. Club members used census returns to cross reference the names recorded in the lead and stone and put forward the idea of an audio trail and a walk-round guide for visitors. 

At the party David [a person living with dementia] spoke of what it meant to him and his colleagues: ‘We feel really valued and respected by way of contributing to this innovative community church scheme. Our involvement and inclusion as people living with dementia is so self assuring, the benefits are immeasurable. Club members, all living with dementia, have spent several happy and memorable activity days here. These past two years, we have been immersed in exploring, discovering and documenting by word and audio the amazing history of this wonderful building. This [involvement] makes us feel so grateful, validated and enables us to continue to live with the vital feeling of hope for the future - life continues’.”

Care & Conservation Awards

These awards bring a human story to conservation and maintenance, which traditionally tend to be less visible when celebrating and rewarding what churches do, despite a huge reliance on volunteers.

The awards were presented by Shirley Adams, judge and Trustee of the National Churches Trust.

Winner in England: Geddington, St Mary Magdalene in Northamptonshire

The judges thought this was an excellent application with spectacular volunteer involvement, the community spirit really comes across. They loved the volunteer Fire Brigade! For the volunteers the best thing is working as part of a team and feeling part of the community. The ‘comradeship with a purpose’ makes for a special experience.

Winner in England: Larling, St Ethelbert in Norfolk

The judges felt that as a very small community these volunteers are very good at bringing the right people in at the right time. St Ethelbert’s is not connected to power or water and thus has one of the most sustainable footprints of any church. Heating is provided by a woodburning stove and lighting is from oil lamps. The organ is hand-pumped.

Winner in Northern Ireland: Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strabane, County Tyrone

They were impressed with the methodical, specialist, comprehensive approach. The carbon literacy is excellent and they loved the upskilling of volunteers. The church is clearly part of the community and continuing the work to great effect. The volunteers say ‘we all feel an immense sense of pride looking after the Church for future generations knowing that our work will be there long after we are gone. It helps us feel connected, working as part of a team, and making friends.’

Special mention: All Saints, Fleet in Hampshire

Shirley Adams, said at the event:

"This year’s submissions have been wonderful to read. It's through the sterling work of volunteers working with the wider church family and professionals that churches are well maintained and play a valuable role in communities. 

Before we move to the winners, I’d like to make special mention of one incredible nomination, but one which the judges felt was not quite in the same vein as the regular maintenance described by the others. You may remember, a few years back, a dreadful fire all but destroyed All Saints, Fleet in Hampshire. Volunteers have worked tirelessly (and almost daily) for eight years, to raise the funds to rebuild the church. They have done this with incredible skill, care and dedication."

Overall winner: Church of the Immaculate Conception, Strabane, County Tyrone

In their nomination, the church said:

"Caring for our building requires a creative, sensitive and holistic approach to balancing the conservation of its irreplaceable heritage and intrinsic ecumenical value, whilst allowing it to adapt, be self-sustaining and remain fit for purpose accommodating changing expectations of the local parish and community."

Church & Community Volunteer Awards

In partnership with Marsh Charitable Trust. 

From food banks to credit unions, churches across the UK provide a growing list of essential services for people in urgent need. The volunteer awards centre around the 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.

The awards were presnted by Mike Heyworth, Ambassador for Marsh Charitable Trust.

Winner in England: Aslackby, St James the Great, Lincolnshire

The judges really loved the inclusiveness and celebration of diversity within their community. They seem to have embraced being a hub for the community and they look like they have fun! The activities with the dementia club are fabulous and they liked that they recognise the individual skills of volunteers.

Winner in Wales: Tremeirchion, Corpus Christi, Denbighshire

Here the judges loved the language used in the submission. This is a less traditional volunteers submission because it’s about clearing footpaths, mending stiles etc. They liked that such a wide range of people are involved and that the church is truly and literally going out into the community rather than just inviting them in. They seem to be a very happy, capable group.

Winner in Scotland: Dalmilling, St Quivox, Ayrshire

The judges thought this was an excellent community minded group in an area of high depravation. Their outreach is remarkable and summed up by their banner ‘together we can do so much’. They also support other charities, basing their work on evidence and knowing what will help most.

Winner in Northern Ireland: Belfast, Redeemer Central

In January 2023 in response to the cost-of-living crisis and the impact of Covid on mental health, the church established The Long Table. Every Friday night a team of volunteers prepare a nutritious meal and eat with folks who come to enjoy the community. The majority of food served is part of the reduce waste campaign The judges loved this, their connections with the Catholic church and that guests become volunteers.

Overall Winner: Redeemer Central, Belfast

In their nomination, the church said:

"Gathering a diverse group of people to share food has been a privilege, developing friendships with folks we would not meet in our everyday lives, refugees, asylum seekers, the marginalised LGBTQ community who find it hard to believe a church space is welcoming and safe for them. These moments of connection and conversation remind us of the beauty of the gospel where all are welcome, and we want to model this to our city. In a city known for division this feels like a joy and is something fresh for our street."

Open for Visitors Awards

Most churches were built to be at the heart of their communities, to be busy and used by all. This award looks at how churches, chapels and meeting houses provide a wonderful welcome to visitors and share their building with others.

The awards were presented by Sandra Lynes-Timbrell, Director of Visitor Experience at St Paul's Cathedral, and Sarah Stewart, Trustee of the National Churches Trust.

Winner in England: Berden, St Nicholas on the Hertfordshire / Essex border

This tiny church has embraced Champing – camping in a church! Most importantly the church is open from dawn to dusk everyday. It has live music and tells it’s stories well. They are clearly working hard to attract new visitors. 

Winner in Wales: Llannefydd, St Nefydd & St Mary, Denbighshire

This church and its community have been galvanised by the threat of closure. They were a finalist last year but have done so much more in the intervening 12 months. The judges absolutely loved the ‘Swifties’ tours – no, not the other Swift who has graced our shores this year but the two winged variety. What a brilliant name though! They have links with local tourism bodies, including the North Wales Pilgrims Way. There is a warmth to what they are doing, and the judges loved that they said they enjoy the ‘privilege of seeing visitors reactions when they first walk in’.

Winner in Scotland: Tundergarth Parish Church, near Lockerbie, Dumfries & Galloway

What makes Tundergarth Church truly unique is its connection to the Pan Am 103 tragedy in 1988. The nose cone of the airplane landed just across the road, and the church has become a place of pilgrimage for many around the world. The judges were very impressed and touched by what the church has done. 

Winner in Northern Ireland: Killinchy Parish Church, County Down

The church dates from the Celtic period, with the first written record dated 1306. They love sharing over 1500 years of stories! The judges loved the tourism outreach and that they see themselves as part of the wider tourism eco-system. They are open everyday, have a 360 tour and have doubled their visitor numbers. The judges feel they have come a long way in a shorts pace of time  they liked that they want to learn more and are looking forward to seeing what’s next.

Overall Winner: Tundergarth Parish Church, near Lockerbie

In their nomination, the church said:

‘"In 21st December 1988 a terrorist bomb exploded onboard Pan Am flight 103, a passenger airliner flying from London to New York. Of the 270 victims, 104 of those fell to earth in the immediate vicinity of Tundergarth Kirk. The church was used as a staging post for emergency responders, three of the victims are buried in the kirkyard and year after year people make a pilgrimage to the kirk to remember those who died. We are a warm and welcoming space for all to remember and pay tribute.’"

The judges were impressed that amidst stories of closure from across the UK volunteers here are working hard to keep the building open. Tundergarth Kirks Trust was formed to take ownership of the church and keep it open as a place of worship when funding was withdrawn. It is testament to the resilience of the community as well as the remembrance of disaster.

The volunteers have great plans for a museum, and a recent episode of ‘The Repair Shop’ was filmed here. The judges hope that this award will help them on their way to do even more.

To honour Lord Cormack, we introduced two new categories this year. They both celebrate the dedication of individuals to the cause of caring for churches, chapels and meeting houses across the UK.

At the event, Richard and Charles Cormack (sons of Lord Cormack), spoke about their father and his legacy, with Charles saying: 

“The National Church Awards have always embodied two of my father's defining passions: his love for our nation's built heritage and his deep-rooted faith. For Dad, churches were where these twin pillars of his life beautifully converged. Throughout his 54 years of public service, both in the Commons and the Lords, my father championed our architectural treasures with unwavering dedication. 

But it was in churches that he found most joy, seeing in each stone and spire a testament to both human craftsmanship and divine inspiration. This event, held in his memory, is a poignant celebration of that legacy. It honors not just the buildings he fought to preserve, but the spirit of reverence and community they represent. As his family we are deeply humbled to see his life's work remembered. These awards ensure that his passion for our ecclesiastical heritage will continue to inspire and uplift for generations to come.”

Lifetime Achievement Award

The heritage and community engagement found in churches is built upon and sustained by the ongoing efforts of a vast army of supporters and volunteers. This special award celebrates the achievement of an individual or group which has dedicated time, care and love for more than 25 years towards this cause. Nominations could be made by anyone, and were reviewed by an expert panel.

Working at a national level, Trevor Cooper and Rebecca Payne, based in London, are among the first recipients of this Lifetime Achievement Award for their outstanding work to save church buildings, particularly through the Historic Religious Buildings Alliance. They have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the case for church buildings, spread knowledge and information and advise many forums and organisations across the country.

Husband and wife team, Anne and Mike Powell, were also honoured with the new Lifetime Achievement Awards this year, in recognition of their roles as the “go-to” lay people in Shillingstone parish, North Dorset, for 30 years. Through their nomination by parishioners, the judges were told how the Powells were knowledgeable, available, ready to help and central to church life. The latest in many years of service saw Mike and Anne organising major repairs roof during an interregnum, fundraising, liaising with the diocese, architect and builders; they are basically always on call. Anne even took daily cake to the roofers!

Lord Cormack Award for Public Service

To remember Lord Cormack, and in the spirit of his love of churches, this year the National Churches Trust chose to commend Sir Stephen Timms and Lord Parkinson with this new award focusing on public service. 

Stephen Timms is recognised for his work in introducing the Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme in 2004, which has allowed thousands of historic churches to claim back the full rate of VAT on repairs. 

Lord Parkinson’s award honours his work in helping to bring about the Cultural Recovery Fund, which delivered an unprecedented £1.57 billion package of emergency cultural funding during the Covid 19 pandemic and supported 165 church projects. Lord Parkinson was also an advocate of the Listed Places of Worship Grants scheme, which we hope will be renewed before the scheme comes to an end in 2025.