MANX LOTTERY TRUST HELPS TO SECURE FUTURE OF ISLAND LANDMARK

The Friends of Jurby Church have been awarded a grant of £30,000 to help fund the repair and restoration of the church building.

The funding, awarded by Manx Lottery Trust as delegated partner of The National Lottery Community Fund, will help secure the future of Jurby Church, which lies at the centre of a Manx National Heritage site and houses a collection of early Christian and Scandinavian Manx Crosses.

Over the past five years, The Friends of Jurby Church have been busy fundraising to help support the development of its facilities, including the re-wiring of the church, the installation of an oil-fired heating system and a composting toilet. The Manx Lottery Trust grant will be used to repair and restore both the exterior and interior of the building.

Sandra Kerrison from The Friends of Jurby Church, said: ‘We’re known for our welcoming hospitality at our exhibitions and special church services and have visitors from the local community, across the Island and beyond. In recent years we have had many visitors from the United States and Australia, a number of those having ancestors who emigrated from Jurby at the end of the 18th century onwards.

‘Whether we’re providing afternoon tea for events in the Jurby community or coffee and cake to visiting bikers, we pride ourselves on our friendly and warm welcome. During the planning of this venture we have engaged with the local and the wider community to find out what they want to see from this project, as well as specialists in conservation and restoration, to ensure we deliver and achieve the very best outcome.

‘This year marks 200 years since the church was built and the first time in over a decade that it has not been under threat of closure. Thanks to this generous grant from Manx Lottery Trust, we can ensure Jurby Church can continue to flourish, serve the local community and stay open for future generations. We’re so grateful.’

Sarah Kelly, Chairman of Manx Lottery Trust, said: ‘The Friends of Jurby Church have put so much effort into fundraising and achieved so much. We’re pleased to assist with the renovation of this community hub and look forward to seeing it once restorations are complete.’