The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded Weston-super-Mare Town Council a grant of up to £50,000 to support the repair of the Church of England Chapel at its Milton Road Cemetery and the newly established Friends Group.

The history of Milton Road Cemetery dates back to 1856, when Bath Architect, Charles Davis, won the contract with his design of a Victorian Garden Cemetery, complete with a Church of England Chapel and the Non-Conformist Chapel. A local Builder and Stone Mason, John Palmer from Worle, was commissioned to build the Cemetery, with the planting to be arranged by Mr Maule and Sons of Bristol. There is a vast amount of history at Milton Road Cemetery, both in respect of people and buildings.

The award will help cover the costs of the Chapel’s repair, along with the re-instatement of the Bell, which has not been rung for more than thirty years. It will also be used to improve the Cemetery’s sign posting, notice boards and provide audio tours and visual exhibitions, which will be held in the repaired Chapel. The Friends Group is hoping to work closely with local schools to develop an educational package in line with the National Curriculum and consultation is taking place.

Commenting on the award, the Development Officer of Weston-super-Mare Town Council said how happy she was to have the opportunity to help develop such a wonderful and interesting project and thanked the members of the Friends Group for the fantastic help and support already received and looks forward to continuing working with them in the future. The Chapel has been closed to the public for a year now and so to repair it and see it opened again and to use it for the exhibitions and a meeting place for the Friends will be a great success for the Friends, the Town Council and the community.

The Heritage Lottery Fund’s Head of Region for the South West, Nerys Watts, said: “We are delighted to support such a worthwhile project, which will not only enable the repair and conservation of a significant and historic building, but will also allow the local community – and particularly young people - to learn more about the history of the town and those who lived here in the past."

“Our local heritage has such a big impact on who we are, contributing to our sense of pride and what makes our local area feel different and special.”

Notes to editors

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history. HLF grants open up our nation’s heritage for everybody to enjoy. Since 1994 it has supported more than 26,000 projects, allocating over £4 billion across the UK.

Further information

Zoe Clements, The Friends of Milton Road Cemetery at Weston-super-Mare Town Council on 01934 632567 or develop@weston-super-maretowncouncil.gov.uk