Project Introduction

The Broads and Rivers Open Churches Project, funded by the LEADER+ programme for three years, came to an end in September 2008. All the information that was part of this project and on its own dedicated web site has now been archived into these pages.

The Diocese is committed to continuing and expanding the project ideas that were piloted by the Broads and Rivers Open Churches Project, and Jennie Hawks continues as Project Officer - she can be contacted on 01379 677843 or jennie.hawks@norwich.anglican.org

One major part of the Broads and Rivers Open Churches Project was Open Churches Week and this is continuing. Leaflets such as the Church/Staithe Guide, and Broads Cycle Trail are still available and we are hoping for more similar trail leaflets from churches in the future.

Project Brief

We feel that it is not just important to have churches available once a week or even once a month for an hour of worship, but to consider what they were originally built for. This was to be open all the time for people for devotional needs as well as for all kinds of other local uses.

Many churches are now looking into improving their facilities so that meetings can take place, making sure that refreshments and toilet amenities are available and adding facilities to make access easier for the disabled.

The Project builds on these new ways of thinking, to give added impetus and support to churches to be open and to give visitors a warmer and more cultural welcome.

• To have many more open and welcoming churches, providing spiritual space for people in different and innovative ways.
• To share the unique spiritual and cultural heritage of our churches.
• To look in depth at what makes a welcoming church and to learn from others on this.
• To look at educational uses of the churches and churchyards.
• To provide training opportunities for volunteers.
• To ensure that there is a variety of information available for all of our visitors.
• To support churches with financial and technical help in the production of leaflets and in the use of other media to tell the story of their church and churchyard.

The project actively supports a network of volunteers who are interested in working to help achieve its stated aims and objectives. Examples of activities volunteers can become involved with include:

• Leading guided walks or church tours
• Undertaking research for developing interpretation and educational material
• Fundraising
• Helping with training seminars and workshops

Wherever possible Volunteers are provided with opportunities to undertake training and development. For a discussion about volunteering with the project contact the Project Officer.

The Open Churches Project is jointly funded, for a three year period, by the Leader + European Union funding programme and the Diocese of Norwich. It is due to finish in Autumn 2008. Further funding to enable more projects and activities to be carried out across the Diocese is constantly being sought. Opportunities also exist for companies or individuals to sponsor a particular project or activity. Projects range from providing churches with colourful new information boards and signs to developing brochures and guide books interpreting a churches history and heritage.

If you would like to provide funding please let us know so that we can help to link you up with a particular project that has been identified. Alternatively you may have a project in mind relating to a church in your area that you would like to sponsor or make a contribution to.