Church Buildings Support Network

What is it?

• A new form of support for parishes. The aim is to bring together people who are involved in looking after church buildings, to share experiences and resources and provide encouragement and support.

First Meeting

• The first meeting is on Wednesday 17th April via Zoom at 7pm, with the focus on heating. Book your place by requesting a Zoom link at holly.robinson@elydiocese.org.

Who is it for?

• Anyone involved (or considering becoming involved) in looking after church buildings - volunteers, paid workers, clergy, Friends Groups etc.

How does it work?

• The network will start this year with a series of informal meetings, mostly online, but with one or two face-to-face gatherings.
• It will be managed by Holly Robinson, the Diocese’s Historic Church Buildings Support Officer, but it will be shaped by the participants. Holly has already consulted with a small group of church volunteers to help launch the network. 
• Details of the meetings will be published as far in advance as possible on this webpage and in Diocesan newsletters.

Do I need to join?

• You don’t need to sign-up to become a member or attend every meeting. Booking is only required to help manage sessions.  Just join the sessions which interest you the most.

What if I am busy and can’t join a meeting?

• Notes from the meetings will be published on this webpage and emailed directly to people on request.
• Zoom meetings will be recorded in order to take detailed notes, but the recording will not be stored or published online.

What happens in the meetings?

• The meetings will be informal with plenty of opportunities for discussion.  If more than 15 people take part, the group will split into smaller groups at appropriate points. Most of the meetings with have a theme as well as an opportunity for general discussion, but a few will be open.
• In-person events will take place at a church.  Refreshments will be provided.
• The format is not set in stone.  It will develop according to feedback and may change depending upon the content.

Further Information

• Find out more on the Church Buildings Support Page on this website here.