Cadney Church report for Cadney cum Howsham parish council APM 2026 I continued to apply for grants to help out with improvements and funding for the church hall and church. We have had to do this to help cover our costs. The only funding we applied for that was not successful was the parish council. We ensured we covered all the necessary criteria, and it was disappointing that we did not get any help at all. Cadent Warm spaces grant, through Community vision, there was a grant available for venues that offered a warm space for people to meet. I applied as Cadney Church Hall fitted the criteria, we were given the grant, and will receive a total of £2400 once we have received all the funding, delivered in three lots of £800. This money has been a complete lifeline. As part of the grant, there were free slow cookers, carbon monoxide detectors and slow cooker recipe books. They have all been very popular and many parishioners have taken advantage of these. I also got a grant through Lincoln Diocese for energy efficiency work, we now have better lighting, and a timer for the heating in the church hall. Churches have to have a five-yearly report on the state of the church building done by an architect. This is called a quinquennial inspection, often called a QI. The QI can be used as evidence for grant applications. We have had a QI in May 2025. Following the QI it was suggested that we apply for a grant to help fund a conservation report by a specialist conservator on our parclose screens, these historic wooden screens, make up the area known as the Lady Chapel in church. This grant application was also successful, and a conservator spent two days taking detailed photos and notes on the screens, he has pointed out several fascinating details in the screens, and we should get the report in a few weeks. Beetles have caused damage to the screens, now and historically, the report will identify what work needs to be done, whether to restore, how to stop further damage, and all the historic details that have been discovered. The restorer, Henning, has agreed to return once the work is complete and give a talk about his work and findings. The report will give enough evidence for another grant to pay for whatever work will need undertaking. The QI also identified that the roof needs to be sorted out, and myself and Gwen Harlow have had advice from Lincoln Diocese buildings team on what steps to take. We will update, as this progresses, but at present as soon as there is any rain, we have to have strategically placed buckets to catch all the drips that are coming through. The Church is on the At-Risk register following the lead thefts. Another grant that was successful was from North Lincolnshire Council was for VE Day commemorative events, and another successful concert with Barnetby Silver Band was held to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. We also held another Teddy Bear Day in August and many brave bears parachuted from the church tower, as well as this time, being able to let your bear zip line down across the church too. Great fun for all ages. The church continues to be open every day, it still has the book swap shelves, offers a quiet space, the chance to light a candle, and many enjoy discovering the history, we get visitors from far and wide, it is really helpful if they write in the visitor’s book. Last year, we were invited to take part in West Lindsey Churches Festival, along with other North Lincolnshire churches, we had around 80 visitors each day, and again, visitors from a wide area. We are taking part again on 9th and 10th May. This year we have Teddy Bear parachuting on Saturday and a display of the Sewing bee ladies’ quilts that they have made. Harvest Festival last year was followed by a very popular Harvest Supper, Mike Baron accompanied all the hymns on his accordion, it sounded wonderful. He also agreed to come along and play at the Christingle service, and accompany the carols, this sounded wonderful too. There is a war grave in the churchyard, but there has never been a sign saying the churchyard contains a Commonwealth grave. This has been applied for, and we are awaiting the sign to be put on the gate. The church hall continues to be well used, the coffee mornings have continued all through the year, this year, it continues to be popular, and a place where everyone is welcome. The church hall is available to hire, and we are pleased that the parish council have been using the church hall for parish clerk interviews. We have appealed and asked people to sponsor a grass cut for the new churchyard, and have had some response, we hope this will help cover our costs for this. Debbie Clark – churchwarden for All Saints Church, Cadney
Cadney Church
