The Almonry Receives a Lifeline Grant Award from the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund: Read the full article below

THE ALMONRY RECEIVES A LIFELINE GRANT FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S CULTURE RECOVERY FUND

The Almonry in Evesham, has received a financial boost from the government’s £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund to help fund essential building surveys during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lifeline grants from the Culture Recovery Fund are designed to protect heritage sites and ensure that jobs and access to culture and heritage in local communities are protected during the months ahead.

The Almonry has been awarded £18,235 to carry out a series of essential building surveys to assess the condition of the building before moving ahead with a major funding bid to the National Heritage Lottery Fund.  Almonry Manager Ashleigh Jayes said “The Almonry is such an important part of Evesham’s history and landscape, the need to restore and preserve it for the future is essential.” 

Grants of up to £25,000 are being allocated to cherished heritage sites, like the Almonry, across the country to cover urgently needed maintenance and repairs. This vital funding comes from a part of the Culture Recovery Fund called the Heritage Stimulus Fund and is administered on behalf of the government by Historic England.

As well as rescuing precious heritage buildings in need, the injection of cash will protect livelihoods for some of the most vulnerable heritage specialists and contractors working in the sector.

Culture Secretary, Oliver Dowden, said:“These grants will help the places that have shaped our skylines for hundreds of years and that continue to define culture in our towns and cities. We’re protecting heritage and culture in every corner of the country to save jobs and ensure it’s there for future generations to enjoy.”

The Almonry was once part of Evesham Abbey, a Benedictine House that was destroyed in the Dissolution.  Once the home of the Almoner, the name given to one of the monks whose job it was to give alms to the poor and needy of the town, it has been providing a service to the Town for over 600 years.  Councillor Sue Amor, Evesham Town Mayor, said “We are so pleased to receive this grant.  The Almonry is such an important part of our town’s history and this will help to keep it safe for our communities for future generations.”

Now home to the town’s museum, Tourist Information Centre and gift shop, it is a unique building offering a unique service to the people of Evesham and the Vale.  The Grade 1 listed building was placed on the Heritage at Risk Register in 2016. 

Chair of the Almonry Advisory Panel, Councillor Andrew Dyke, said “say the word ‘Almonry’ to anyone who lives in or around Evesham, and that person instantly knows the iconic 14th century listed building and museum. It’s importance locally and to visitors to Evesham cannot be underestimated and we are thrilled to receive this funding, which will go a long way to restoring a much loved building and museum in Evesham”.

Duncan Wilson, Historic England Chief Executive said: “Historic places across the country are being supported by the Government’s grants awarded under the Culture Recovery Fund. This funding is a lifeline which is kick-starting essential repairs and maintenance at many of our most precious historic sites, so they can begin to recover from the damaging effects of COVID-19.

“It is also providing employment for skilled craft workers who help keep historic places alive and the wheels of the heritage sector turning. Our shared heritage is an anchor for us all in these challenging times and this funding will help to ensure it remains part of our collective future.”

For more information contact: Ashleigh Jayes, Manager email: ashleigh@almonryevesham.org

Tel: 01386 446944 (this is the Almonry number, please leave a message and you will be contacted)