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restaurant (1); out of a total of 175.
(B5)
The church authorities are
apparently astute enough to derive full financial benefit once a
property is deemed legally disposable, and the problem is reaching
that stage rather than any inhibition over what its subsequent role
may be.
Within the Bradford Diocese, the number of churches likely to
be deemed redundant will not be known clearly until the Diocesan
Secretary's study
(B16)
has proceeded further, but it seems that the number
could be sufficiently large to have a marked effect on diocesan finan-
ces - and that provided the disposal thereof is handled sufficiently
skilfully, that effect could be beneficial.
2.6.5
Aesthetic value of church buildings
2.6.5.1
Dual role of churches
This subject must be touched on, but only briefly, since its
financial impact is more latent than actual. It is generally assumed
that churches are regarded by much of the non-church-going community
as having at least visual value. "The church building ... still typi-
fies much that can be said to represent that which is English. It is
arguable that ... many ... who do not actively participate in worship
themselves, would feel a sense of loss if the church building in their
midst was no longer available."
(B16)
To some extent this yields a finan-
cial return, visitors to rural churches contribute via boxes ("... the
hidden wealth of the Craven area."
(C4)
), and appeals for major properties
such as cathedrals draw response from non-anglican and maybe even non-
Church sources
(C1)
. But, with a few exceptions, (in 1976 Haworth Parish
church, because of its Bronte connections, received nearly £1,800 from
visitors), contributions to parish churches "have been somewhat less
magnanimous"
(P12)
. We may reasonably call this the tourist value of a
church and it is an area which, although recognised
(P1)
, appears to be
