What is it?
The Church Buildings Support Network is a form of support for parishes. The aim is to bring together people who are involved in looking after church buildings, to share experiences and resources and provide encouragement and support.
Who is it for?
Anyone involved (or considering becoming involved) in looking after church buildings - volunteers, paid workers, clergy, Friends Groups etc.
How does it work?
The Church Buildings Support Network offers online sessions alongside regular in person events. These events are free and open to everyone involved with a church to attend.
- Join us for our Church Buildings Support Network sessions for 2026. Each session will focus on a different topic, with training and talks on Accessibility, Interpretation, Net Zero and more!
The network managed by Samuel Pedlar, our Community Church Building Support Officer. A schedule for the meetings is copied below. Please look out for more information about each of the sessions in our newsletters, social media channels and the latest news on our website. Samuel will be present at all meetings, so please contact him if you have any questions or want more information on samuel.pedlar@elydiocese.org or 07539 916607.
Dates and Details of Church Buildings Support Network events
Zoom Meetings programme
All Zoom meetings will run on a Wednesday evening from 7.30 - 8.30pm unless otherwise advertised. Book online via our Training Portal. For more info, contact Samuel on samuel.pedlar@elydiocese.org.
Heating, Lighting and Net Zero
Wednesday 14 January
With presentations from Sacha Watson and Eco Church Champions
Focus on: Toilets and Kitchens
Wednesday 4 February
With Holly Robinson and a Guest speaker, there will be a Q&A session following a talk on the latest advice.
Project, Action and Friends Group event
Friday 6 February
- With Samuel Pedlar, Geoffrey Hunter and Holly Robinson
- 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Unlisted Churches event
Monday 9 March
- With Samuel Pedlar, James Ryder, Geoffrey Hunter and Sacha Watson
- 7.00pm - 9.00pm
Focus on: Friends Groups and Festival Churches, Community Engagement and Consultation
Wednesday 11 March
With Samuel Pedlar and a Guest speaker, there will be a Q&A session following a talk on the latest advice.
Focus on: Insurance, Security and Theft - with Ecclesiastical Insurance
Wednesday 18 March
With a presentation by Joseph from Ecclesiastical Insurance.
Focus on: Faculty and Permissions
Wednesday 6 May
With James Ryder and a Guest Speaker.
Focus on: Grants, Funding and Project Development
Wednesday 13 May
Alongside a guest speaker, our Church Building Support Officers will be on hand to answer your questions about fundraising, grants and structuring your building project.
Focus on: Churchyards, Bats and Birds
Wednesday 3 June
With Nigel Cooper and a Guest Speaker.
Focus on: Church Maintenance
Wednesday 2 September
With Samuel Pedlar, information about the maintenance services offered for the diocese and maintenance planning.
Focus on: Places of Worship Renewal Fund (PWRF)
Wednesday 23 September
An update from Holly Robinson, our Historic Church Buildings Support Officer, with plenty of time for Q&As.
Two sessions to choose from. No need to book, simply use the links below.
Morning session: 10.00 - 11:30am
Evening session: 7:30 - 9.00pm
Contact Holly.Robinson@elydiocese.org for more information.
Focus on: Interpretation
Wednesday 7 October
With Samuel Pedlar and Holly Robinson.
Focus on: Accessibility
Wednesday 11 November
With Samuel Pedlar and a Guest speaker, there will be a Q&A session following a talk on the latest advice.
Focus on: Clocks, bells, organs and furnishings
Wednesday 2 December
With Samuel Pedlar and a Guest speaker, there will be a Q&A session following a talk on the latest advice.
In-person Meetings programme
You can book by emailing Samuel on samuel.pedlar@elydiocese.org, or booking online via our Training Portal.
Faculty and List B event
Thursday 5 March
- With Sam Reeder and James Ryder
- In person at Etheldreda House
- 10.00am - 1.00pm
Friends conference
Tuesday 5 May
- With Samuel Pedlar and guests
- In-person at Saint Peter and Saint Paul, Alconbury, PE28 4DX
- 5.30pm - 9.30pm
- Booking: https://elydatabase.org/events/view?course=4610
Festival Churches: An Evening of Vision & Practical Guidance
Monday 1 June
- With Samuel Pedlar and guests
- In-person at All Saints' Rampton, CB24 8QA
- 5.30pm - 9.30pm
- Booking: https://elydatabase.org/events/view?course=4616
Compliance Day: Fire Safety, Insurance, Health and Safety
Thursday 11 June
- With Samuel Pedlar and Geoffrey Hunter
- In-person at St John's Waterbeach
- 10.00am - 3.00pm
- Booking: https://elydatabase.org/events/view?course=4609
Leightonstones Festival Fortnight
29 June - 12 July
- With Samuel Pedlar
- Leightonstone churches
- Over 2 weeks
Wisbech and North Norfolk Festival Fortnight
27 July - 9 August
- With Samuel Pedlar
- Wisbech and North Norfolk churches
- Over 2 weeks
Maintenance Training event
Friday 4 September
- A practical Church Maintenance Day.
- Venue: In person at Holy Trinity Church, Orton Longueville
- Time: 10.00am - 3.30pm
- Booking: https://elydatabase.org/events/view?course=4732
Meet the Funder
Friday 23 October
- Are you looking for funding and support for your church building, heritage project, community activities, or mission initiatives? Join us for an afternoon of practical advice, funding insights, and networking opportunities with some of the region's leading grant funders and support organisations.
- In person at Etheldreda House, CB6 3NX
- Time: 12.30 - 4.30pm
- Booking: https://www.elydatabase.org/events/view?course=4776
Building Management Portal helpdesk
Wednesday 16 November
- Join Sam Reeder and James Ryder for this session, providing help and training on the new Building Management Portal, which is replacing the Online Faculty System (OFS) from 6 October.
- Venue: In person at Etheldreda House, CB6 3NX
- Time: 1.00pm - 3.00pm
- Booking: https://elydatabase.org/events/view?course=4770