A non-public tour personally led by a peripatetic Python and a behind-the-scenes, all-access experience that can allow you to sit in on a live broadcast out of the Classic FM studios in London’s Leicester Square. These are only two of the items that form a part of a set of special experiences bidders will find a way to make a suggestion on because of an internet auction being held this month.
The National Churches Trust’s 2024 auction “Going, Going, Saved!” will raise much-needed funds for its work helping historic churches across the UK remain open, and ensuring they continue to be in a state of excellent repair for years to come back.
“Churches are wonderful places which can be so necessary to so many individuals. As places of worship, as places for quiet reflection, and as community hubs, church buildings are vital. But the longer term of our churches can also be the most important heritage crisis that the UK faces,” Claire Walker, chief executive of the trust, said.
Taking place against the backdrop of a General Election campaign, the trust hopes the auction will keep the necessity to protect the nation’s wealthy religious heritage in the general public’s and political parties’ minds. While the auction stays live, prizes will probably be continually added which implies it should be vital to maintain checking in to avoid the chance of missing out on something spectacular.
Bids are currently being taken for an item that can see Monty Python star, comedian, and author Sir Michael Palin and his son, Will Palin, take the successful bidder and up to a few guests, on a non-public tour around Sheerness Dockyard Church in Kent.
Located on the Isle of Sheppey, this beautiful nineteenth Century Grade II* Listed church was devastated by fire in 2001. Completely gutted by the blaze, it’s now fully restored to its former glory. With Will Palin having overseen the restoration work on this magnificent church, the visitors will hear first-hand stories of the project as they take a tour of the constructing, afterwards continuing over lunch with the Palins.
Another item going under the hammer is attracting an excellent deal of interest from bidders desirous to be a part of a major place within the history of radio. Starting with a non-public tour of Global Studios in London’s Leicester Square, the successful bidders will then join radio and TV presenter Alexander Armstrong over the course of an hour as he presents live to tell the tale Classic FM. Home to among the UK’s best-loved radio stations, including Capital and Heart, bidders will find a way to see up close how shows are recorded and produced.
And, given the aim behind the auction, any collection of things could be incomplete if it didn’t offer a singular opportunity to reflect on the divine. Lots include private tours of the nation’s treasured cathedrals and churches, including St Paul’s and Westminster Abbey in London, and St George’s Chapel, Windsor, the scene of many royal weddings.
The successful bidder of one other lot will get to wander through the Anglican and Roman Catholic cathedrals of Sheffield on a bespoke tour led by Songs of Praise presenter Richard Taylor followed by lunch and signed copies of his book.
The trust has asked supporters to assist drive the expansion of the project by bidding for items themselves and spreading the word amongst family and friends, and their local churches and communities.
The trust hopes that by doing so they are going to create momentum that can help drive the continued support of their local churches, and keep protection of Britain’s religious heritage on the political agenda in the course of the General Election campaign.
