The PCC of All Saints Edmonton is delighted to have been awarded a grant of £215,833 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support their project- ‘Reviving All Saints in the Community.’ The project seeks to revive and develop relationships between All Saints and wider Edmonton communities, improving the PCC’s understanding of local need, and involving a wide range of people in the delivery of the NLHF project. The goal is to establish an inclusive and sustainable future for the historic Grade II* listed church, based on local need and support.
The project will deliver a range of heritage activities, including opportunities for young people to gain transferrable skills, enhance their CVs and engage in heritage workshops on building maintenance and stonemasonry. An oral history strand will capture ‘Windrush’ memories, and first impressions of All Saints- its ancient fabric and light filled interior- and reflections on what the building has come to mean to that community now. Year 5 pupils will be given an opportunity to learn about migration and will receive guidance on how to confidently interview an older generation. Urgent stonework repairs will be undertaken to the South chapel parapet, during which the community will be invited to learn more about the approach.
All Saints is Grade II* listed and included on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. Dating from the 15th century, it represents the ancient heart of Edmonton, and contains fine monuments, 19th century wall paintings and stained glass. An Open Day, Community Meal and volunteer research project will give as many as possible an opportunity to enjoy and understand its beauty, history and heritage.
The project has had welcome support from the Diocese of London Parish Property Team and attracted local funding from the Enfield Society; the Ecclesiastical Charities of John Wild of Edmonton & Others; and Untold Edmonton, a major cultural engagement initiative for communities within Enfield.
The Ven John Hawkins, Archdeacon of Hampstead, said: “All Saints Church is one that is committed to reaching out and working for the transformation of their community with its many challenges. The grant of £215,833 from the Heritage Fund is valuable recognition of All Saint’s desire and hard work to do this. Through maintaining and celebrating the historic fabric of Edmonton this project will ensure that the valuable church building can remain open for future generations to enjoy and benefit from. It will also help to realise All Saint’s vision for the lives of local people, in particular young people, to be transformed, including by honouring the contribution of those who came with their energy and hopes to this community, at a time of significant need and change – the Windrush generation. “
Mother Roxane Liddell, Parish vicar and chair of the PCC, said: “Everyone at All Saints is delighted that The National Lottery Heritage Fund has supported our project. The grant will allow us to continue to build stronger links with our partners and the community as well as creating a space where a record of the lived experiences of the Windrush generation is explored and recorded through our intergenerational project. There will also be opportunities for young people to gain life skills, which they can take with them as they move from education into the workforce, university or apprenticeships. The grant will allow us to begin addressing the urgent repairs needed to ensure All Saints continues to be a place of welcome for all living and visiting Edmonton. All Saints has been part of Edmonton for nearly 900 years and we are grateful to the National Lottery players for their help in ensuring it remains a special place for all.”
Dave Cockle, Chair of The Enfield Society, said: “Our Society works to conserve and enhance the heritage and environment of our borough. Both the building and the community of All Saints are an important part of the heritage and social fabric of Edmonton, and we are delighted that this has been recognised by the Heritage Fund. We are very pleased to be supporting a project which will enhance the church itself and make its rich history and significance better known.”
Barnet and Southgate College, said: “Given the incredible work involved in the successful Heritage Fund grant application, Barnet and Southgate College are eager to be involved and support the All-Saints Edmonton revival project, with the opportunity to include our creative learners to a number of exciting community events. There are plans for a collaborative industry ‘live’ assignment in stone masonry for our architecture and construction students, which will enhance both key subject areas in the understanding of capital rejuvenation of a 15th century grade 2 listed Church. We anticipate this community driven partnership to not only support the resilience of the project but also build a strong relationship between Barnet & Southgate College and the Parochial Church Council of the Ecclesiastical Parish of All Saints Edmonton.”
