On Monday, 15th September 2025 the Ely Closed Churches Uses Committee and their Officers accepted our bid to try and restore the church for community use!  Both Archdeacons and the Board of Finance of the Diocese Ely were consulted and the committee was able to give us approval on behalf of the Diocese as a first step.  We will still need approval from the Church Commissioners and their Representatives, but we are now working towards that as the official preferred bidders! 

Funding Success 

St Andrew the Less Community Project has been awarded two important grants to support our work in revitalising the historic church and churchyard for community use.

Cambridgeshire Community Reach Fund – Enabler Grant

• Award amount: £492.80

• Purpose: To strengthen our organisational foundations, including insurance, dedicated email accounts for trustees and volunteers, and marketing materials to launch our community survey.

• Impact: This funding ensures safe operations, professional communication, and effective outreach as we build a sustainable project.

Cambridge City Council – Community Grant     

• Award amount: £1,200

• Purpose: To deliver four community workshops raising awareness of the proposed community and heritage centre at St Andrew the Less. Funding contributes to venue hire, refreshments, insurance, project promotion, and Heritage Network membership.

• Impact: These workshops will engage local residents, foster dialogue, and build momentum towards restoring the church as a vibrant hub for heritage, culture, environment, and wellbeing.

Together, these grants provide essential support at a crucial stage of our project. They enable us to:

• Operate safely and responsibly.

• Communicate effectively with volunteers and the wider community.

• Launch inclusive consultation to shape the future of St Andrew the Less.

• Host workshops that empower residents to co‑design heritage and community activities.

We warmly thank Cambridgeshire County Council and Cambridge City Council for their support. Their investment helps us take vital steps towards rescuing St Andrew the Less and making it a place of pride, belonging, and opportunity for the Cambridge community.