Bid to raise £15m to keep historic churches open

A new documentary film highlighting the race against time to save two of Beverley’s ancient churches has been launched to help drive forward a £15million fundraising campaign to save the churches from closure.

The short film highlights how the town’s historic Minster and St Mary’s Church could be in danger of closing despite their national significance and international reputation unless a further £15million can be raised from independent sources to save them.

It is feared the crumbling fabric of these ancient buildings could see them closed on safety grounds before the end of the decade and the aim of the film is to help the Two Churches One Town charity convey the value and urgency of financial support to major sources of funding from specialist organisations, trusts, foundations and philanthropists, not only in the UK but also overseas.

The film illustrates the unique beauty of the two buildings that represent 13 centuries of British history and heritage and features trustees and local historians who describe the unique features that define these local legacies while raising real concerns about their future preservation.

Tim Carlisle, chairman of the Two Churches One Town charity, said: “You’ve got two gothic churches that are famous in Europe and considered to be the best of that build.

“What nobody wants is the nightmare scenario of having to close these buildings because they’re unsafe. We want them to be safe. We want them to be free for people to come in and to view them.

“If we do nothing their survival is in danger. That’s why organisations like East Riding Council, Beverley Town Council, businesses and people in this area have come to support the project.

“Two Churches One Town became a charity in 2019 to not only lead on the fundraising but also, critically, to focus on their heritage, the music they generate and the learning.”

A charity auction will take place in July featuring items which both churches have accumulated over the years and which have become surplus to their requirements.

Items which will be included in the auction include eight oak pews from St Mary’s and a Victorian handcart and stone pinnacle dating back 700 years from Beverley Minster.

The auction, led by Caroline Hawley from Hawley Auctioneers and a BBC Bargain Hunt presenter, will raise funds towards the restoration programme of both churches and now members of the public are being invited to donate their own items to the auction.

Martin Needler, former chairman of Beverley Minster Old Fund, said: “We are appealing to members of the congregations at both churches and to people in Beverley and the surrounding area to look in their cupboards and if they have any items they don’t need any more and would be happy to donate, we would love to hear from them.

“We will be holding two Valuation Days which people can come along to and bring their items to be valued.

“Whether the items make a few pounds or a few thousand pounds, the money raised from the auction will go towards the restoration programme of both churches through the charity Two Churches One Town.”

The Charity Auction will take place at Beverley Minster South Transcept on Saturday 8th July at 10am. There will be opportunities to view the sale items at Beverley Minster on Friday 7th July from 10am-6pm and on Saturday 8th July from 8am until the start of the auction at 10am.

The first Valuation Day will take place at Beverley Minster Parish Hall on Friday 12th May from noon until 5pm. Entrance is £5. Caroline Hawley will give a talk about antiques and invite the audience to have a free valuation of their personal items.

The second Valuation Day will take place on Friday 23rd June at St Mary’s Church from noon until 5pm where members of the team at Hawleys Auctioneers will be available to talk about antiques and invite the audience to have a free valuation of their personal items.

The auction will take place using two internet platforms making the auction available worldwide.

Those unable to attend either of the Valuation Days are invited to contact Hawleys Auctioneers by email at info@hawleys.info or 01482 868193 to make arrangements for donating their personal items.