Woodmancote Church Appeal 2017

Help us look after Woodmancote Church - Sussex's oldest tin tabernacle still in use for worship

2017 is the 125th anniversary of Woodmancote Church. In addition to celebrating this anniversary, an appeal was held in the autumn to raise funds towards the expenses of upkeep and improvement of the building.

Westbourne Parish in West Sussex includes the hamlets of Aldsworth and Woodmancote. Services of Holy Communion are held at Woodmancote Church twice a month and at Christmas and Easter.

A special service was led by the Rector of Westbourne, the Revd Andrew Doye, on 1 October 2017 at 3pm, followed by a celebration tea.

More about the appeal

The appeal held in autumn 2017 to support works of restoration at Woodmancote Church has had a successful completion. We had set a target of £14,000. Following an energetic campaign of events, the support of the PCC, and generous individual contributions from churchgoers and villagers throughout the parish, we have achieved a total of £21,500. This will allow us to pursue works in 2018, inside and outside, to restore the Church to its former glories. Well done!

> Watch a parishioner's video on why you should support the Woodmancote Church 125th Anniversary Appeal (YouTube)

> Find out more about the Woodmancote Church 125th Anniversary Appeal (pdf file)

> Donation and Pledge form for the Woodmancote Church Appeal 2017 (pdf file) - this can still be used for future donations.

Brief history of Woodmancote Church

Woodmancote Church was erected in October 1892 from a corrugated iron ‘flat pack’ known affectionately as a ‘tin tabernacle’. It is the oldest of only two active Anglican ‘tin tabernacles’ still being used for divine service in Sussex and the fourth oldest in the UK. 

It was licensed for worship in 1928. In 2012, the Church celebrated its 120th anniversary. 

The building now enjoys electric light and heat but does not as yet have disabled access, water supply or a toilet.

(Picture of Woodmancote Church - courtesy of Sussex Parish Churches)

Fundraising events for the appeal 

• Woodmancote Charity Quiz night at the Woodmancote Pub - Tuesday 10 October 2017
  £500 was raised for the Woodmancote Church Restoration Fund.
   
• Wine tasting and cheese fundraising evening, Woodmancote Church - Friday 27 October 2017

Thank you to those who supported this 125th anniversary project through the events, the donation forms online or available in the churches in the parish.