What are the European Heritage Days?
The Civic Trust in Wales organises a series of weekends over which heritage property throughout Wales is opened to the public. This coincides with a European-wide initiative to promote access to heritage sites.

Why should the Church in Wales be involved?
The Bench of Bishops agreed in January 2006 that churches in Wales should be encouraged to join in with this initiative to:
· Extend the witness and outreach of the Church in Wales
· Celebrate the central importance of our Church buildings across Wales
· Join with our partners who protect the heritage of Wales

When do they take place?
The 2006 Heritage Days in Wales take place over three weekends as follows:

9/10 September
16/17 September
23/24 September

Parishes are encouraged to ensure their buildings are open for visitors on all or any of these days but in order to make the biggest statement of witness, churches are requested to definitely be open on the 9th September. This will be the first day of the Heritage Days and will have the most significant impact across Wales.

What does taking part involve?
Parishes are simply asked to ensure their churches are open. Many are open routinely anyway so they need do little more. However, it will be particularly effective if Parishes can ensure that people are on hand to welcome visitors (even though there can be no guarantee that people will visit your church!). Arranging people to be available can be difficult so why not organise an activity or event around the open day? For example, choose the 9th September for an annual church clean, hold a tea party, host an exhibition, or involve your local school etc. Contact the Churches Tourism Network Wales (http://www.ctnw.co.uk/ tel: 029 2071 0014) or the Representative Body Property Services Department (tel: 029 2034 8200) for advice and ideas.