St. Nicolas Church, the medieval parish church of Pevensey, is approaching its 800th anniversary, but English Heritage has placed the church in its ‘Heritage at Risk Register’. This indicates that there is an ‘immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric’.”
‘This is obviously a concern for both the congregation and the wider local community’, says George Stephens, a Deputy Churchwarden who is heading up a committee to raise £220,000 to complete a restoration project begun in 2006. ‘Over 90per cent of people questioned locally in a recent survey answered that they consider the church building is a major community asset.
‘Clearly the work done so far since 2006, whilst essential to make the building water tight and weather proof, leaves a lot more to be done.’ The building is now dry and ready for redecoration, but least two roofs need replacement. ‘The interior decoration had suffered for years from water ingress and damage needs a face lift,’ says George.
A two year programme of concerts and events in the church, as well as other fund raising initiatives are planned to mark the church’s 800th anniversary landmark, which coincides with the 950th anniversary of William the Conqueror’s landing on Pevensey beach, which also falls in 2016.
Details of the wide variety of events and concerts for 2015 can be found on the church website: www.stnicolas800.org.uk
