The Friends of St Peter’s, Newenden is setting in motion on behalf of the parochial church council (PCC) some major restoration work in St Peter’s church. Delayed by Covid, everything is at last beginning to happen. The works include renovation of the west door (now completed and looking marvellous), the replacement of the sanctuary door, the repair of the lime plaster inside the church which is suffering from rising damp, a new lighting system and a new churchyard gate.
It is imperative to raise funds to finance the work, which will inevitably be very expensive.
Our first fundraising event on the horizon is the annual duck race. The race is scheduled for 3pm on Saturday, August 20 on the river Rother. The PCC is organising a fresh produce stall and a tombola on the river bank. Frances Jones and Rhoda Smith will be there from 2pm – 4pm. The friends will also have a stand and the remaining ducks will be on sale.
On Saturday, September 24 at 7:30pm in St Peter’s, Åke Nilson will present “The Lossenham Project – an update”. The archaeologists are making many interesting finds on the site of Lossenham Priory and they plan to begin digging on Castle Toll next year. Åke will bring us up to date and we can expect a fascinating evening.
There is no admission charge for this event but generous donations will be appreciated.
We are delighted that Rebekah Gilbert and the Rye Bay Crew have agreed to come and entertain us again. Their evening of songs of the sea and sea shanties is in St Peter’s on Friday, October 14 at 7:30pm. Tickets are £15 each (£12 for friends of St Peter’s) and under 16s can come free of charge with family.
Included in the ticket price is a free drink, wine or soft drink, on arrival.
Please contact me on 01797 253632 for reservations, and we look forward to welcoming you to a very enjoyable evening. I can’t wait!
Image Credits: Rye News Library , Newenden Parish Council , Anthony Dawson , Rye Bay Crew .