Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2014/January 2015 | Page 31

FEATURE

Boost for
E

Niton church

ssential conservation work on
Niton Parish Church can now take
place following a confirmed grant
of up to £99,300 from the Heritage
Lottery Fund. The project aims to carry
out urgently required repairs to the spire,
tower and wall stonework.
The project also aims to engage with
the community by holding talks, tours
and events, increasing visitor numbers
and use of the building, and making
the heritage and history of the beautiful
church accessible.
The church is Norman, and the nave
and font are nearly 1,000 years old. Other
parts of the church were built in the 12th,
14th, 15th, 16th and 19th centuries.
The church also benefits from modern
facilities installed three years ago.
The Right Rev. Christopher
Foster, Bishop of Portsmouth
said: “This news confirms
confidence in the leadership
at Niton Church
and in the local
community to

secure St John the Baptist Church for its
continuing witness and place in the life of
the village. The grant is a success in itself,
and a major step towards the essential
restoration works.”
The Ven Peter Sutton, Archdeacon of
the Isle of Wight said: “I am delighted that
St John the Baptist at Niton have secured
this grant which is great news for Niton
and for the Island. Members of the parish
have worked hard to get to this point
and I look forward to se V