St Cuthbert’s Church in Norham has almost reached its £380,000 fundraising target for an ambitious regeneration project.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has contributed £245,000 towards the exciting initiative, which will make the Grade I listed church more welcoming, accessible and inspiring for all who visit.
The transformational investment will enable vital improvements to heating, lighting, seating, and heritage interpretation. Known as the St Cuthbert’s Project, it will revitalise the building, allowing it to become a vibrant year-round hub for community life.
The enhanced facilities will support a rich programme of events, activities and learning opportunities, while innovative interpretation will bring the church’s fascinating heritage to life for new generations.
Local vicar, the Revd Rob Kelsey, Chairman of the St Cuthbert’s Project, is delighted to have received such generous support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, as well as numerous charitable trusts and individual donors, including The Barbour Foundation, The Benefact Trust, The Catherine Cookson Trust, Community Foundation North East, EDF RE, Barmoor Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, The Garfield Weston Foundation, The Blake Family, The Steel Family, The Northumbria Historic Churches Trust, The William Leech Trust, and The Rothley Trust.
Rob said: “We now have a wonderful opportunity to safeguard the future of St Cuthbert’s Church, ensuring it remains a place of inspiration, welcome and community engagement.”
Helen Featherstone, Director, England North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to award St Cuthbert's in Norham with a grant to facilitate capital works to the church that will improve access to the building, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. The project will enable St Cuthbert’s to welcome new visitors and ensure the important heritage of the Church will resonate with the community and beyond for years to come.”
As a result of the improvements, the building will become a more comfortable, welcoming and fully inclusive venue for concerts, performances, exhibitions and community gatherings throughout the year. Volunteers and local partners will play a vital role in shaping a lively programme of events that brings people together and enriches community life.
During 2026 and 2027, a series of special celebrations and activities will mark the progress of the project. Everyone in the community is warmly encouraged to get involved — whether by attending events, volunteering or supporting the work in other ways.