St John the Evangelist, Ranmoor

St John’s Church Ranmoor awarded grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to ‘Save Our Spire’

Today, St John’s Church, Ranmoor is announcing a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to save the historic spire of St John’s Church and to protect the heritage of St John’s for generations to come.

The spire of St John’s is the tallest parish church spire in Sheffield and is visible from across the city. St John’s is a grade II* listed church and is currently a category B building on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register. It is a favourite church of writer and broadcaster Michael Palin who grew up in Ranmoor.

Built in 1881, the spire is the only remaining part of the first St John’s Church which was destroyed by fire eight years after its construction. It is a tangible reminder of the first church, but it has deteriorated in recent years and requires urgent restoration work. Without this funding from the Heritage Fund, the spire could be lost forever.

The Save Our Spire project will protect the built heritage of St John’s Church through an extensive programme of restoration work. Meanwhile, volunteer researchers will uncover the stories of the people who have lived and worked in Ranmoor.

The research will be shared through a programme of talks, exhibitions, workshops and school activities to engage diverse audiences, and new heritage trails and visitor guides will improve access to the church’s history and architecture. The project will culminate in a major community celebration in 2029 marking 150 years of St John’s Church.

Revd Dr Matthew Rhodes, Vicar of St John’s said: “We are delighted to have received support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund which will make it possible to restore the tower and spire of St John’s helping to protect this building for generations to come. Thanks to National Lottery players we are able to share the rich heritage of our church building with the city and wider region.”

Notes to editors

About St John’s Ranmoor

St John’s Church, Ranmoor, is part of the Diocese of Sheffield. St John’s Church is located in south-west Sheffield and we have a vision to worship, learn and serve. We hold weekly services of Anglican worship, enriched by a strong choral tradition. We value social justice and support for our community through our lunch club, toddler group and support for the foodbank. St John’s is a well-used venue for the arts with regular concerts, recitals and other performances.

Over the next 3 years, we will be delivering the first phase of the Inspire Project to enhance use of the building. The project includes restoration of the tower and spire, installation of kitchen facilities and enhanced toilet and heating facilities. A scheme of work that will help St John’s to meet the needs of our congregation and the wider community.

www.stjohnsranmoor.org.uk

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.

By 2033 we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.

heritagefund.org.uk

Follow @HeritageFundUK on Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLottery #HeritageFund

Further information

For further information, images and interviews please contact Revd Dr Matthew Rhodes at St John’s Ranmoor on 07754 068391 or Matthew.Rhodes@stjohnsranmoor.org.uk

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