Churches Trust for Cumbria is announcing a £139,245 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to record, research, interpret and communicate the stories found in our church buildings. The funding will enable the Churches Trust for Cumbria to undertake their ‘Spirit of Place’ project which will engage with visitors and celebrate the heritage found in Cumbria’s churches. Church heritage is more than just an old building; it’s about the people and communities who made them, and the stories they have left behind in the objects they donated or commissioned. These objects form part of the richly layered narrative of our church heritage. ‘Spirit of place’ aims to explore and share the treasure trove of heritage found within our church buildings and without this funding from the Heritage Fund these stories would remain unheard. This project will discover some of the unique stories, objects and traditions found in Cumbrian churches while promoting environmentally responsible, inclusive and accessible ways for people to engage with this heritage. It also strengthens long‑term skills, partnerships and resources, helping the Churches Trust for Cumbria build a more resilient and sustainable future for our churches. If you are interested in volunteering to record or research the rich heritage found in our churches, please contact us. Tim Whittaker, Chair of Churches Trust for Cumbria said: “We are thrilled to have received this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we can explore the rich heritage of our church buildings and share their stories for all to enjoy.