News
June 2026
Award success for St James' Church, Cameley
On 4th June 2026, the Friends of Cameley Church were thrilled to learn that they had been awarded ‘Fundraising Achievement of the Year’ for 2026 by The Marsh Charitable Trust.
Brian Marsh OBE founded The Marsh Charitable Trust in 1981, his aim being to support around 350 charities every year by making over 100 different awards to individuals and groups from across the charity sector who make a difference to a cause that they believe in. The Marsh Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of these people, who are committed to social, cultural and environmental causes. It is people who are at the heart of the charity sector and who, voluntarily or professionally, go above and beyond to make a difference.
This year, in the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) awards, there were seven categories. We are delighted to announce that our small band of Friends of Cameley Church were presented with the award through an online meeting with many other groups and individuals from across the country, along with CCT staff. The award was made to acknowledge the efforts of the Friends of Cameley Church in raising the £35,000 required to fund vital conservation work to protect the unique, medieval wall paintings for the benefit of future generations. That work has now been completed.
November 2025
Fundraising success
In partnership with the Churches Conservation Trust, the Friends of St James’ Cameley are delighted that funds have been secured to conserve the medieval wall paintings at St James' Church, Cameley. The wall paintings were uncovered in the 1960s, including an intriguing and unique jester. In 2024, a conservation report identified the need to stabilise the painted surfaces of the paintings in order to prevent their permanent loss.
A total of £35,000 has been raised for conservation work through a range of activities at the church, including concerts and expert-led talks. We are very grateful to grant funders and individuals who, through their generosity, helped to raise the funds required in just seven months. Conservation of the wall paintings will include delicate cleaning, then injection of grouting between the plaster and the solid wall behind, which will bind and stabilise the paintings. This work is scheduled to start in spring 2026.
Thank you to everyone who supported the fundraising project, which will conserve the paintings for future generations.