The PCC has proposed a review of the seating inside the church in order to increase capacity, flexibility and comfort so that the building can accommodate all the school pupils and parents for weekly services and to allow the building to used more as a community asset. We have now received permission to proceed with the reordering of the pews and are currently planning this process with the assistance of our Architect and according to the conditions laid out by the Diocese.Select DOWNLOAD (above right) for a resizeable image .
The church building, which is Grade 1 listed, is in urgent need of repair in several areas.The greatest priority at the moment is repair of the parapet and castellations along the roof of the church. One piece of stone coping has already fallen off on the north side onto the lower lead roof, and there are several other places with loose masonry which need repair.The cost for repair is £61,175-70 after obtaining three quotations. The church has minimal reserves after paying for ongoing running costs and paying our Parish share. We have managed to raise £61,000 through Donations from local residents and the following Grants from;--Beds and Herts Historic Churches Trust £10,000-Benefact Trust £2,700-Frances Coales Foundation £4,000-St Johns College, Oxford (patrons of the Church) £1,000-National Churches Trust £8,000-Wolfson Foundation £10,000-Headley Trust £2,000-Garfield Weston Foundation £5,000-St Albans Diocese £5,000The scaffolding is due to be erected in early July 2025 and works are estimated to take approximately 4 months. It is important NOT to climb on the scaffolding due to safety issues and the presence of an alarm system which will be activated bu unauthorised presence of the scaffolding. During this time, the Church will remain open every day for quiet reflection and visitors.However, we have recently had our 5 yearly report on the state of the Church building which has highlighted new areas of concern in the internal wooden ceiling and corners of the church stonework.We are planning with the Diocese and Historic England a phased approach to restoration of the whole Church building including the historical Tower Clock and Memorial to John Burgoyne.Several fundraising events have occurred this year and are given below. Any assistance with events, donations or legacies would be much appreciated. Please contact the Churchwarden, William Hollington on william.hollington@me.com or 01767 261910 if are able to make a contribution.We had a very successful Plant Sale in May which, together with the annual village Duck race, raised a record £9,500 for the Church.PCC events for 2025- Outdoor production of Jane Austen’s ‘Emma’ on Saturday 30th August and Classic Car Meeting with Afternoon Tea on a Sunday 2-5pm on Sunday 31st August, both at The Old Rectory.If you want any further information please contact Jo Hollington on joannahollington@btinternet.com or 01767 261910Friends of Sutton Church events- French Themed Evening dinner in Village Hall October 2025- Others to be confirmed
The PCC of All Saints Church, Sutton asks you to consider making a donation to help us keep this church open.
