Church Recorders

UCKFIELD DFAS CHURCH RECORDING GROUP

Nationally, over 900 churches have had their furnishings and fabric recorded by this group of experienced volunteers, whose work is openly appreciated, not only by the Church authorities, but by the police when investigating theft and vandalism.

Our present project is Ringmer Church

Update on Recording Ringmer Church

November 2009

‘The recording within the church has now been completed, with only a few details to be double-checked, before it is completed. then it will be sent to the area Representative, Jenny Avery for her assessment.

The separate sections which have been recorded and photographed include Memorials, Metalwork, Stonework, Woodwork, Textiles, Paintings, Library, Windows and Miscellaneous.

Once Jenny is happy with them then we can make arrangements to present it to The Reverend Canon Will Pratt, M.A. at Ringmer Church. We will then need to prepare further copies to be handed to the Lewes County Record Office, The Cathedrals and Church Buildings Division at Church House, The Victoria and Albert Museum Art Library and The National Monuments Record (England).

I am sorry the recording seems to have gone on for a longer time than we expected, but Ringmer Church is almost overflowing with items which have needed detailing to the very high standard that NADFAS demands, and it is most important that we have not missed one thing. I can vouch that each of our recorders has worked long and hard whilst thoroughly enjoying being allowed to be involved in completing this record. We will all be honoured to present and thank The Reverend Canon Will Pratt for allowing us this pleasure.’

St Mary the Virgin

The church is constructed from many different materials like Horsham stone slabs, tiles, flint, sandstone and brick. This is most obvious in the left-hand Springett Chapel. The tower was built in 1884 extending the church to the west and replacing a bell turret. The porch dates from the 15th century and may retain some of the original timber. The churchyard is now closed for further burials.

Ceramic mosaic of the Holy Family

The mosaic, by local artist Ann Clark, is the centrepiece of the Children's Worship Area at the east end of the Springett Chapel. This was a millennium project dedicated on Sunday 2nd January 2000 as "an area especially for children to find a sense of worship."

We should like to thank all the Church Recorders for their hard work and commitment to this task.