St Andrew Church in South Otterington to get running water

The team at St Andrew church in South Otterington, near Northallerton, will now have an accessible toilet and a kitchenette after a grant project was sought.

A £15,000 funding scheme from the National Churches Trust will help pay to install these new facilities.

This is part of a wider £871,696 urgent funding payout from the charity that will help keep churches across Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England open and in use.

Inside St Andrew in South Otterington (Image: STEPHEN TREASURE) Now that the plans are in the works, the activities that St Andrew will be able to host in the building will make the church a more welcoming and inviting space – especially for children, elderly people and those with mobility issues, according to those at the church.

Once the new facilities are installed, the church will be open every day with an inclusive events and activities programme offered for all. 

Canon Stephen Treasure, Vicar of St Andrew’s Church, said: “To provide the facilities of a toilet and kitchen, our small committee has applied for grants to various grant-giving trusts, and were thrilled when the National Churches Trust awarded £15,000.” 

St Andrew in South Otterington (Image: HISTORIC ENGLAND) “A legacy allowed us to improve the access to St Andrew’s, and with the sum remaining, plus this £15,000 and other grants, we will now be able to give builders the go-ahead. 

"The church and local community has given wholehearted support, raising nearly £7,000 through events and gifts, much coming from beyond the reaches of the congregation."

He added: “The accessible toilet will particularly benefit older people. In serving refreshments both before and after the service, we will no longer have to carry water and will be able to wash up. 

"This will benefit parents coming over for school services, wedding parties and funeral families as well as the Sunday congregation. 

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"We will give thought to extending our welcome and offer to the local community and to passers-by.

“Plans are already in hand to open the Church to the public daily once the work is complete, and to provide a toddler group.  Our facilities will be available for other groups and activities.” 

Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, added:  "The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support St Andrew church to enable them to add an accessible toilet and kitchenette to their beautiful building.

"This will help to keep the church building open and serve local people.

“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”