Churches Tourism Association

Heritage Inspired: contributes to the awareness, knowledge and understanding of South Yorkshire's rich heritage (architectural, cultural and social) both among local people and visitors. Their aim is to increase access to this heritage, and provide interactive experiences with it.  Currently have 143 partner sites, and had over 65000 visitors in 2009. 

 They co-ordinate a full programme of events & activities, including open days, exhibitions, festivals and concerts – including two huge open festivals in June & September.  They produce free black & white leaflets for visitors, written by local people and featuring a plan of the building and interesting things to see.  There are also guidebooks, exhibitions, other interpretation as well as heritage trails and guided walk/cycle ride leaflets. Leaflets are distributed to Tourist Information Centres and attractions. Also provide free local history talks and courses for local people and visitors across South Yorkshire. They also offer welcome, interpretation and first aid training to volunteers.

Website: heritageinspired.org.uk

Heritage Inspired working together with Treasures Revealed have recently secured Leader money for a project on the uplands/Pennine area for listed churches in rural areas. Will complement Treasures Revealed: West Yorkshire Project.

Awarded a Heritage Lottery Fund grant of £491,500 in 2007, HERITAGE INSPIRED works with heritage faith buildings across Doncaster, Barnsley and Sheffield until 2011.

The project increases the access to and awareness of fine heritage faith sites.  It organises a programme of events, open days, guided walks and exhibitions – all free of charge.  It also produces interpretative materials such as leaflets, guidebooks, visitor trails, newsletters and a comprehensive website will be produced - again, all free of charge.

HERITAGE INSPIRED offers training workshops to all volunteers.  They include 'Creating the Perfect Welcome', 'Interpreting Your Site' and 'First Aid First Response'.  These workshops are also available across the Uk for a small charge.  Local people and communities are the mainstay of this project and they are encouraged to take an active role in every stage of events and interpretative materials.