St Mary’s Church in Calne has received a welcome boost to its plans for the future, with a £50,000 grant taking the amount raised towards its major improvement project to more than £400,000.
The grant from the Benefact Trust is the latest boost for the church’s £650,000 appeal, which was launched in June 2025 to fund a wide range of improvements aimed at making the Grade I listed church more accessible and creating new spaces for the community.
The plans include the installation of new toilets, a servery, a glass entrance lobby and a new limestone floor at the west end of the church.
The font will be relocated, the ramped porch floor will be re-laid and a dedicated area for children will be created.
Some unused pews will be removed to create exhibition and meeting spaces, while recycled pews will be used to make large cupboards for new movable chairs.
The project also includes solar panels and batteries, along with repairs to two of the smaller roof areas.
The Revd Caspar Bush, Vicar of St Mary’s, said the church was extremely grateful to everyone who had supported the appeal so far.
“Since we launched our appeal in June 2025, a huge amount of work has gone on towards this project and appeal,” he said.
“As well as fundraising, we’ve been working a great deal with our architect on the detailed plans, and with the church authorities who oversee what alterations in a listed church may be permitted.
“All being well, we hope to start building work in late spring 2027.”
The church has now raised more than £400,000 towards its £650,000 target.
More information about the project can be found at Project 2026.
Aerial photographs: Rob Willis.
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