Christ Church Erith has received £7,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) through their Sharing Heritage programme, for an exciting project, Christ Church Erith tower, clock and bells centenary 2015. Led by volunteers from the local bellringers the project focuses on the history of the tower.
Using archive material mainly from the parish and the Bexley Local Studies Centre, volunteers will research the history and prepare displays that can be seen next year both in the church on regular open days and on loan throughout the local community.
With its tall spire Christ Church Erith is a notable local landmark but we want to show the community what is inside. While the church was consecrated in 1874 the tower wasn’t added until over 40 years later funded by the generosity of the then vicar, Canon AW Boulden. Commenting on the award, Rachel Backhouse, Tower Captain, said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund and look forward to sharing our heritage and history with community groups and local people.”
Sue Bowers, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, said: “The celebration of Christ Church tower’s centenary is a fine example of HLF’s Sharing Heritage programme that, thanks to Lottery players, makes it possible for local people to choose what is important to them, what they want to save, and how they want to spread the word throughout their community.”
For further information, images and interviews, please contact Rachel Backhouse on 01322 439038, or Rev Julie Conalty on 01322 334729,
