Since 2021 we have been working with Crosby Granger Architects Ltd, a local company based in Kendal. One of the first tasks we asked of Crosby Granger was to undertake a comprehensive survey of the Church building.

The St Mary’s Church Council agreed a plan of work to address the issues found by the Crosby Granger survey and to allow the building to be more

creatively and sustainably utilised for the benefit of the local community, visitors and the Ministry and Mission of the church

Since that time we have done the following

• Created a Statement of Significance – a document detailing the development of the Church and identifying what is signficant. This has also been done for the bell frame
• Undertaken a measured building survey which provided a detailed set of drawings from which works can be planned
• Undertaken works on the drains to repair and improve the surface water runoff and confirm the operation of the foul waste system
• Repaired of the organ blower housing roof
• Surveyed the west tower door to understand the state of the stone work and what conservation work is required.

We are now working towards the big programme of work to fix the things that are wrong and to reorder the Church for the future.

At this stage we have applied for a large grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and had our expression of interest (EOI) accepted (11th July 2025). That is the first of a three stage process in applying to them for funds.