Major roof restoration for All Saints, Danehill

The beautiful Grade 2-listed church in Danehill in East Sussex is set to enjoy a major roof restoration thanks in part to an £11,000 grant from the Sussex Historic Churches Trust.

A drone survey revealed severe weather damage, water ingress and leaks. The fixings were degrading and the mortar was failing meaning there was little to hold the tiles in place. The situation had reached a critical stage.

The Revd Paddy MacBain said: “The church had a similar challenge in 2011 with the south side of the roof. That led to the replacement of the old Collyweston tiles with new Welsh slate. Our goal now is to carry out similar repairs to the north side, preventing water from coming in and damaging the beautiful interior of the church.

“There is also the need to ensure the tiles were safe outside and not likely to fall on anyone! With the need and cost of having scaffolding up, the best solution was to replace the North Nave, Chancel and Lady Chapel roofs which were sadly all in need of repair.”

The whole project is costing £127,000 but the church already has substantial funds in hand and was able to secure the remainder through local fundraising, support from the Friends of All Saints Danehill and additional grants.

All Saints dates back to 1892 when a new church was built in the village after an earlier 1835 building was severely damaged by fire.

MacBain added: “The grant from Sussex Historic Churches Trust was vital in enabling the project to be able to go ahead. Without this grant it is hard to see how it could have proceeded and we are really thankful for this support.

“The repairs have just begun and it is hoped they will have been completed by the end of October. Parishioners who have heard about the grant are delighted that the roof can be repaired, allowing continued use of this vital space for the church and community. Over the years, we have had concerts, gift appeals and fundraising events to help with smaller church projects but this is the biggest project of its kind in recent years so we are really grateful for the grant from Sussex Historic Churches Trust.”

All Saints was one of nine churches that received grants from the Trust in April 2024. Since then, a further 10 churches have been awarded grants totalling nearly £100,000.