Renowned journalist Simon Jenkins joins us as Trustee

Sir Simon Jenkins FSA FRSL, the well-known journalist and writer, has today been appointed a member of our board of trustees.

Jenkins is a broadcaster and journalist and the former Chairman of the National Trust.  He has a keen interest and knowledge of historic churches.  The appointment is made by Her Majesty the Queen on the advice of the Archbishops of the Church of England.

Crispin Truman, Chief Executive said: “I'm thrilled that Simon is joining us, Simon has long been a high-profile and well-regarded supporter of this country’s heritage and wrote about many of CCT’s historic sites in his great book ‘England’s Thousand Best Churches’. He will make an invaluable addition to our board of trustees.”

Simon Jenkins said: “I am delighted to be joining The Churches Conservation Trust and its dedicated team at a time of great opportunity and challenge for historic churches.  CCT plays a significant part in the protection of this nation’s heritage and has done innovative work in bringing historic churches to life and encouraging more people to enjoy, understand and support them.  The Trust has ambitious plans for the future and I look forward to working with them to support historic churches in recovering their status as the social and cultural focus of the community.”

As the author of the popular Penguin book ‘England’s Thousand Best Churches’ Jenkins is a natural fit for the charity which conserves and promotes an internationally-recognised collection of 347 of England’s finest churches. The charity will benefit from Mr Jenkins’ experience and knowledge of both historic buildings and of the media in raising its profile at a time of great opportunity but also of threat for historic religious buildings.

Dr Loyd Grossman CBE FSA, Chairman said “Simon Jenkins knows and loves the heritage of England's parish churches. His wide experience of the heritage movement and his outstanding writing and speaking skills will make a huge contribution to the work of the Trust. I am delighted to welcome him as a colleague.” 

Simon joins the CCT’s board of ten trustees, chaired by Loyd Grossman.  The other members are: Christopher Knight, Liz Peace CBE, Jane Weeks, Humphrey Welfare, Duncan Wilson OBE, Lady Lucy French, The Reverend Duncan Dormor and Beth McHattie.  Trustees are responsible for the overall governance of the organisation and bring a range of skills to the Trust’s work.