Tourism events celebrate church heritage
A number of Shropshire events are being held as part of Church Tourism Week, an annual celebration of heritage and historic churches, which takes place nationwide for the third year running between July 20 and 29.
The programme of events and activities highlights the heritage of the UK's ancient churches and chapels, showcasing the stories, art and experiences they offer and inviting people to explore the nation’s rich history in new ways.
Peter Aiers, of The Churches Conservation Trust, the national charity protecting historic churches at risk which co-ordinates the week, says: “Churches are often the oldest and grandest buildings in our communities, but more than that they tell the stories of those communities, the people that lived within them and the last thousand years of our country’s history in a way no other buildings can.
“The Churches Conservation Trust is delighted to be working with partners and peers across the heritage sector to shine a light on these extraordinary buildings in our midst and to encourage people to enjoy them in different ways.”
Heritage charities and attractions across the UK are taking part in the celebration, with over 30 participating sites nationwide. Events taking place in Shropshire and the West Midlands include:
• Get a bird’s eye view of Bridgnorth and try your hand at bellringing on Saturday July 21 with a tower tour of St Leonard’s Church.
• Immerse yourself in the art of calligraphy – with the Shropshire Scribes exhibition at St Mary’s church in Shrewsbury from July 21.
• Stay overnight in a church – at special "Champing" (church camping) churches. Short breaks are available at three sites in the West Midlands and 21 sites across England and Scotland.
• Learn about traditional conservation of green spaces for wildlife at churchyard scything workshops at Montford and Bromfield.
• Hear old tales and make up new ones at a fun family storytelling and puppetry day at medieval St Mary’s Shrewsbury on July 27 and 28.
