Norfolk church wins top conservation award 

St Ethelbert’s church in Larling, Norfolk, has been awarded the top prize in the conservation category at the National Church Awards. The annual competition, organized by the National Churches Trust, recognizes the efforts of churches in maintaining and preserving their historic buildings. Rev Br Simon Richardson, the Priest-in-Charge at St Ethelbert’s, expressed his surprise and delight at winning the award, attributing it to the hard work of the churchwardens and Parish Church Council in conserving, promoting, and supporting the church and parish. The recognition has sparked celebrations at the church and strengthened their commitment to preserving the beauty of the building and worshiping God in Norfolk.

The winners of the National Church Awards were announced at a ceremony held in Lincoln Cathedral, where St Ethelbert’s stood out as Norfolk’s sole winner in the Care & Conservation category. Another finalist, St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston, was also recognized for their efforts in the Church & Community Volunteers category. Judges commended the St Mary Magdalene team for their weekly lunch club, providing hot, nutritious meals in a safe space for members of the local community. The awards ceremony celebrated the dedication and positive impact of churches across England in preserving their historic buildings and serving their communities.

The National Church Awards highlight the significant contributions of churches in maintaining and conserving their historic buildings. St Ethelbert’s church in Larling was praised for its outstanding work in preserving the rural church building, earning them the top prize in the Conservation category. Rev Br Simon Richardson expressed pride in the churchwardens and PCC for their efforts in conserving, promoting, and supporting the church and parish. The recognition from the National Churches Trust has inspired St Ethelbert’s to continue their efforts in preserving the beauty of the church and worshiping God in Norfolk.

The National Church Awards ceremony held in Lincoln Cathedral honored churches that have made exceptional efforts in conservation, community involvement, and volunteer work. St Ethelbert’s church in Larling emerged as the winner in the Care & Conservation category, standing out as Norfolk’s only winner on the night. St Mary Magdalene Church in Gorleston was also recognized for their community volunteer work, particularly their impact through a weekly lunch club. The awards ceremony showcased the dedication and positive impact of churches across England in maintaining their historic buildings and serving their communities, inspiring others to follow their example in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of churches.