The congregation of St Sampson’s Church, South Hill, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a £200,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to safeguard the future of the Grade I listed building and increase public engagement with its rich heritage.

This transformative funding will enable urgent restoration of the church’s roof and ceiling, which have suffered extensive deterioration. With 50% of the roof and ceiling now set to be repaired, the church takes a major step towards being removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.

St Sampsons Church is one of the oldest and most historically significant buildings in the region. Without this funding, its structural decline would have continued, threatening both its physical stability and the history and community stories it holds.

In addition to vital structural repairs, the grant will support the refurbishment and rehanging of the church’s ancient bells—an enduring symbol of community and tradition. A new digital trail and tower tour will also be developed, offering interactive and educational experiences for visitors and helping to share the story of St Sampsons with a wider audience.

This project reflects The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s investment principles by:
– Saving heritage: preserving a Grade I listed building and its historic bells.
– Protecting the environment: following sustainable restoration practices.
– Inclusion, access and participation: creating a digital trail and volunteer opportunities and hosting community events.
– Organisational sustainability: strengthening the church’s role as a community hub.

Church leaders, local residents, and heritage supporters are united in their gratitude for this support. This award not only preserves a cornerstone of local history but also increases engagement with the church’s remarkable legacy.

Reverend Andy Atkins, Vicar of St Sampsons Church, said:
“We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can now protect the future of St Sampsons Church and share its story with the wider community.”

Look out for upcoming events to view the stripped-back ceilings and follow the progress of the bells project. Visit our website for updates and opportunities to get involved.

For further information, images and interviews please contact:
Judith Ayers  judithayers@yahoo.co.uk  Phone.07748 773416 or

Miranda Lawrance-Owen mlawranceowen@icloud.com  Phone. 07595878867

Notes to editors

About The National Lottery Heritage Fund

Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. That’s why as the largest funder for the UK’s heritage we are dedicated to supporting projects that connect people and communities to heritage, as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past. Over the next 10 years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to make a decisive difference for people, places and communities.

heritagefund.org.uk

Follow @HeritageFundUK on Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLottery #HeritageFund