Hampshire County Council

Executive Member - Recreation and Heritage Item 9

14 July 2005

Financial Assistance to Voluntary Organisations and other Bodies - Beaulieu Abbey Church

Report of the Director of Recreation and Heritage

Contact: Mike Wickenden ext. 6007 e-mail: [email protected]

1. Introduction

1.1 A grant request has been received by the Executive Member for Policy and Resources from the Churchwarden, Beaulieu Abbey Church. As the church is located in the Executive Member's electoral division he has asked that the request be considered by the Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage.

2. Background

2.1 Beaulieu Abbey Church is a Grade I listed building which plays an important role in the life of the local community. In addition to regular church services there are monthly Music at Beaulieu concerts and a number of community events during the year.

2.2 The church has just celebrated the 800^th anniversary of the Royal Charter to the Cistercians and is keen to secure it's future by undertaking a programme of both urgent and desirable repair and refurbishment works.

2.3 A small band of parishioners have bravely launched a project, which in total will cost in the region of £150,000.

3. Funding

3.1 Approaches will be made to New Forest District Council, English Heritage, Church Trusts and several local private charitable trusts. It is suggested that that the Heritage Lottery Fund is also approached as they fund church restoration works.

3.2 As fund raising for the project is at an early stage with several external funding sources yet to be approached it is proposed to make a contribution of £1,500 towards the urgent repair work to the war memorial.

Recommendation

A contribution of £1,500 towards urgent repairs to the war memorial at Beaulieu Abbey Church to be met from the Policy and Resources budget.

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - background papers

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB the list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.

TITLE LOCATION

Letter from churchwarden Chief Executives Dept