High Sherriff Award

Church fundraiser Gary receives prestigious High Sherriff award

Adedicated member of St Michael and All Angels Church who led the historic Stoke Prior building’s renovation and improvement project has been presented with a prestigious award.

Gary Stokes was given the accolade by Richard Amphlett, the High Sheriff of Worcestershire, for ‘great and valuable services to the community’.

Gary led the team which raised £750,000 through personal donations and grants. The work, which is due to be finished in the coming months, was made possible with the help of charities and trusts, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the LG Harris Trust.

The project will see a new pathway to the west door and a glass vestibule with an automatic door designed to give free unaided level access which will allow visitors to enter and leave the church safely.

The High Sheriff’s Award recognises the community engagement which has been a key part of the project since the fundraising campaign was launched six years ago.

Mr Amphlett was joined for the presentation by the Archdeacon of Worcester Nikki Groarke, Rev Canon Wyn Beynon and Rev Paula Honniball.

During a Covid-safe event, Gary and his wife Catherine were also given a cheque and a hamper of cakes baked by several people associated with the Tower Friends. Guests were also given the chance to see how the improvements were progressing.

The church has links to John Corbett, known as the Salt King, who had the building renovated in the 19th century.

When the renovation project was awarded a £330,000 National Lottery grant last summer, Anne Jenkins, director for England, Midlands and East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery Players, we are delighted to award St Michael and All Angels with a grant that not only carries out urgent repairs, but will ensure it is preserved for the community to years to come, with work hopefully leading to the church no longer being listed as Heritage at Risk.

“By improving accessibility for the church as well as creating resources aimed at new audiences, we hope that the church will see many new visitors walk through its doors. We have been very proud to invest in Worcestershire’s heritage over the years in order for it to be showcased far and wide.”

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