In 2015 - St John the Baptist Church in the attractive village will be 900 years old. So, the question is will the community of Penshurst on the 7th October 2015 celebrate this event?
So, will we be able to celebrate this event? Yes, but only if we can gain wider awareness and encourage more people to support our cause in ensuring that, unlike other churches with diminishing congregations, that have been de-consecrated and now form blocks of flats or fitness gyms and the like, Penshurst Church can remain open to all.
With the help of our supporters, friends, sponsors and villagers we have already achieved a great deal and the amount raised to date (January 2012) is in excess of £420,000 - thank you to all our friends and sponsors.
Listed below are changes we hope to be able to achieve.
Please click on the headings below to open and close and read more...
So, will we be able to celebrate this event? Yes, but only if we can gain wider awareness and encourage more people to support our cause in ensuring that, unlike other churches with diminishing congregations, that have been de-consecrated and now form blocks of flats or fitness gyms and the like, Penshurst Church can remain open to all.
With the help of our supporters, friends, sponsors and villagers we have already achieved a great deal and the amount raised to date (January 2012) is in excess of £420,000 - thank you to all our friends and sponsors.
Listed below are changes we hope to be able to achieve.
Please click on the headings below to open and close and read more...
Heating & Lighting
The heating is antiquated and does not provide adequate warmth during the clod winter months. The boiler breaks down too frequently and needs to be replaced with an up-to-date model that is both economical and effective therefore saving on the cost of oil as well as keeping the congregation comfotable.
Toilet Facilities
As with many old churches there are no toilet facilities! The nearest toilet is in the village pub - the Leicester arms - a good 3-4 minute walk! What running water we do have is contaminated.
To make room for the toilet facilities and to comply with 'Grade 1 Listed Building' requirements there has to be some changes t the bell ringing area to facilitate access to the toilets.
To make room for the toilet facilities and to comply with 'Grade 1 Listed Building' requirements there has to be some changes t the bell ringing area to facilitate access to the toilets.
Bell Tower Improvements
It is planned that the bell ringing tower area is to be redesigned to allow for access to the new toilets. This will mean a new floor is set in place within the tower to enable the bell ringers to perform their important roles from the platform that will have a glass wall over looking the font and into the church..
The added benefit is that the bell ringers will be easily seen by all the congregation as well as the guests of those being married in the church.
The added benefit is that the bell ringers will be easily seen by all the congregation as well as the guests of those being married in the church.
Items for Sponsorship
Sorry - this list is being appraised as a consequence of recent changes.
