Three historic South Wales places of worship – two located in economically challenging WIMD 1 areas – are set to benefit from significant investment to fund urgent repairs and improvements. Churches in Neath, Marshfield, and Pillgwenlly will receive essential financial support as part of a national focus by the National Churches Trust to help places of worship that have historically struggled to access grant funding. These three local sites join nine other chapels and churches across Wales receiving a share of more than £300,000 to save important heritage and keep their doors open to the public.
St Thomas Church in Neath: 800 years of history gets modern facilities
In Neath Port Talbot, St Thomas Church is a Grade II* listed building sitting on the site of the Garrison Chapel for the Norman Castle. It is the only building in Neath with continuous use for more than 800 years. Inside, it houses the ancient Llantwit Stone - an early Christian relic - alongside historical family coats of arms, while its medieval stone tower dates back to 1340 and was raised in 1691 using stone from nearby Neath Abbey.
Because of a lack of facilities, the venue cannot be used by the wider community as frequently as desired. The kitchen lacks drainage, and visitors currently have to use nearby venues for toilet facilities. Two new grants will make modern updates possible: St Thomas will receive a £34,000 grant from the National Churches Trust alongside a £15,770 grant recommended from the Jane Hodge Foundation. The money will fund a new kitchen connected to drainage, as well as new toilets, an accessible toilet, and baby changing facilities to help host more community events.
Canon Reverend Lynda Newman, leader of Afon Nedd Ministry Area, said: "This is absolutely wonderful news. We are so very grateful to the National Churches Trust and Jane Hodge Foundation. These grants will have a huge impact on our fundraising efforts to adapt this ancient building for modern-day use. St Thomas’ Church has been at the heart of the Neath community for over 800 years, and as the parish church, it provides a warm welcome to all."
"Through the centuries, our beautiful church has remained a beacon of hope and light, and by providing much-needed toilet facilities, we aim to further the church's work in the local community. St Thomas’ Church is already a popular venue for a range of events, including concerts, exhibitions, and talks. The addition of new facilities will cement it as a place where everyone can come together to worship, enjoy each other’s company, and feel part of the history of the town of Neath," she added.
St Mary Church in Marshfield: repairs after Doctor Who fame
In Marshfield, near Newport, average attendance at St Mary Church has doubled in recent years. However, the site of exceptional historic significance is at risk due to defective exterior stonework, vegetation growth, and roof cracks that let water leak into the building. While the church has been redeveloped over time, its original tower and south entrance date back to 1135 during the reign of King Stephen, when it was built by Countess Mabel. More recently, the building was featured in the Christmas special of Doctor Who for Donna's wedding.
St Mary will receive £34,913 from the National Churches Trust, a £5,000 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation, and £2,000 from the Headley Trust. The funds will pay for clearing vegetation and moss, repointing stonework, and patching the roof to make the building watertight. Thanks to support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the church is also exploring its history further with the local community. Additionally, through the National Churches Trust's Cherish project, Ministry Area lead Ross Maidment has been mentoring other church leaders and volunteers across Wales on fundraising and church care.
Ross Maidment, ministry area leader for the Mountain and Marsh Ministry Area, said: "This support is a significant vote of confidence in Marshfield and the Gwent Levels, and we are deeply grateful to National Churches Trust. This funding lets us do two things at once: tackle urgent repairs that cannot wait, and work with the community to shape a project that protects this remarkable building and opens it up more fully for local people, schools, music, and events."
Cherry Vann, Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Monmouth, added: "Revd Ross Maidment has brought fresh vision and energy to the life of St Mary’s and the group of churches in his Ministry Area. There has been growth at St Mary’s in particular, demonstrated by the increase in attendance, the establishing of a community choir and new worshipping community and the number of adult confirmations. There is clearly potential here for further growth and for greater engagement in and with Marshfield and the wider Newport community. The building as it stands threatens to limit what can be achieved through not being fit for purpose."
"St Mary’s is a living sign and symbol of the Christian faith down the ages and the presence of God in the community in which it is set. I welcome the ambitious project that has been envisioned and developed. I believe it represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the presence of St Mary’s as a place of prayer and worship and a resource for community use for generations to come," she concluded.
St Stephen Church in Pillgwenlly: roof repairs to keep community hub open
In Pillgwenlly, Newport - an area of high deprivation - St Stephen Church was facing potential closure due to slipping roof slates and water leaks that frequently force community groups to cancel meetings during bad weather. Built between 1883 and 1884 to plans by local architect E.A. Lansdowne, the 19th-century Gothic building features Victorian stained glass by Savell & Co. alongside windows saved from the demolished Holy Trinity church. It hosts vital low-cost and free community services including food distribution, toddler groups, taekwondo, a play cafe, and band practices.
To keep the building open and safe, St Stephen will receive £22,333 from the National Churches Trust and an £11,620 grant recommended from the Jane Hodge Foundation for urgent roof repairs. The Revd Kevin Hasler, of St Stephen's, stated: "Receiving these grants is a tremendous answer to prayer and wonderful news for the whole community. We are deeply grateful to every organisation, donor and volunteer who has believed in this vision. Together we are not simply repairing a roof – we are investing in the future of Pill by creating a place where people of all ages can find friendship, support and hope for many years to come."
Jon Weatherill, who led the community fundraising campaign, added: "This project has shown what can happen when a community comes together. Every donation, every fundraising event and every volunteer has played a part in reaching this point. We want to thank everyone who has supported us, from local residents and community groups to the Dragons Rugby Club and our funding partners. This is an investment in the whole community."
Broader context: UK government scraps VAT relief scheme
The investment comes at a crucial time following the UK Government's scrapping of the UK-wide Listed Places of Worship Grants Scheme, which previously saved listed buildings 20 per cent of repair costs by refunding VAT. Claire Walker, chief executive of the National Churches Trust, observed: "The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support churches in Wales to enable them to carry out urgent repairs. Not only will this protect this important heritage, but it will help to keep the church buildings open and serving local people. Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow."
Paul Ramsbottom, chief executive of the Wolfson Foundation, concluded: "Churches have a crucial role as places of worship – but they also serve as integral parts of our communities, and not least as custodians of heritage. We are pleased to continue our partnership with the National Churches Trust to help safeguard these important, beautiful buildings for future generations."
