CTfC's Training Programme September 2010-April 2011 can be found here.  More details on individual courses can be found below.

Ride and Stride - Saturday 11th September.
There is still plenty of time to encourage participation in Ride and Stride to raise funding for your church. Multiple copies of posters, sponsor forms and sign in sheets can be ordered and will sent to you in hard copy. For full information please look at the local organisers briefing on the website and return the order form at end (just send an email with your order). If you have further questions please contact the County Coordinator (Gina Dowding) 07501 469374 or send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Save our Scheme! New petition to save the VAT Back Scheme Around £110 million a year is spent on the upkeep of faith buildings, most of which is raised by local congregations. The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme that allows all listed places of worship in the UK to reclaim the cost of VAT on vital repairs and maintenance is under threat and due to end in March 2011. Following the closure of the Downing Street e-petition to save the scheme, St Edmundsbury & Ipswich DAC has created its own petition which you can sign at www.gopetition.co.uk/petitions/listed-places-of-worship/sign.html. You could also back this up with paper petitions at your faith building for worshippers and visitors to sign and send them to 10 Downing Street.

Back to Church Sunday-26 Sept. See Letter from Bishop James about events to encourage participation.

Neighbourhood Forums are an opportunity for you to get involved in issues affecting your area and to help decide how things could be improved. If your church can be used as a venue, attending a neighbourhood forum may be a good way of telling others. To find your local forum, go to www.cumbria.gov.uk/neighbourhoodforums/

The North of England Civic Trust has launched an inspiring range of courses of practical heritage buildings skills. The Heritage Skills Initiative was set up to promote and raise awareness of heritage skills and subsequently provide practical opportunities for training and hands on opportunities. The programme has been running for 3 years in the North East and recently secured funding for supplying heritage skills training in Cumbria.  Download a copy of the Cumbrian Heritage Skills Initiative brochure.

Tues 7 September - Managing a Church Building Project
Penrith Methodist Church.
This day will be useful for anyone who is about to make changes to their village hall or church such as adapting or improving it for community use. Various professionals including architects and project managers will advise on what help is available, when you might need them and how to get the best from them. Representatives from churches and village halls that have gone through changes will also share their experiences. Click here to see a draft programme.  To book a place, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 07501 469373.

Mon 27 September - Cafes and Churches?  A day for debate and business opportunities.  Christ Church, Spitalfields London, £30 
A seminar to give advice and inspiration on setting up cafes in churches, led by English Heritage and One Church 100 Uses.  Click here for details. To book, contact Richard Oxley, 07737 181 1485 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Fri 5 November - Fundraising for Faith Buildings with Revd Maggie Durran. St John's, London Road, Carlisle. 
Maggie Durran has many years of experience of helping churches find a sustainable future.  If you're looking to adapt your church for wider community use, Maggie can advise on how to develop your project and where to find funds.  St John's has successfully raised money to carry out a large re-ordering scheme and this is an opportunity to see what that they have done.  For details, click here.  To book a place contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 07501 469373. to Church Sunday:

Sat 6 November - Tailored help with your Church building project
St Thomas Church Kendal. £30 per church team of 4 people.
Revd Maggie Durran has many years' experience in helping churches find a sustainable future. In these surgeries, Maggie will provide tailored advice on finding additional uses, project management, fundraising and financial development for your own church. Early booking is recommended. For more information, click here.  To book a place contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 07501 469373.

Heritage Open Days on 9-11 September is an excellent way of encouraging others to visit your church. It is a national event which opens the doors of thousands of historic buildings across the country for everybody to enjoy. More information can be found here.