Save Our Church is so grateful to Johnnie and Henrietta Gundill for delivering two sell-out talks in the church on 17th and 19th September about the filming of Downton Abbey at Highclere Castle.After a fascinating talk the audience were treated to drinks and nibbles served by the real life Highclere Castle butler! There was also the chance to win a bottle of Highclere gin in the raffle. Overall we raised £1600 for the church fundraising appeal. Thank you to everyone who bought a ticket and supported this event; we hope to arrange another talk and drinks evening in 2026.
This September Holy Trinity was delighted to support Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust's Ride & Stride event. The church was open all day offering cold drinks and bowls of water for thirsty dogs.Our first visitors (pictured) stopped off en route from Alderbury for a cup of tea and a biscuit before setting off again to West Dean and beyod.Ride & Stride is an annual national sponsored event. Since 1984 it has raised over £1.7 million for the county’s churches. 50% of the money raised goes to the participant’s chosen church and the other half to the County Historic Churches Trust.Participants may be cyclists, walkers, horse-riders or drivers of mobility scooters. All denominations are welcome. Visit as many churches as you like, planning your own route. Seek sponsorship from friends, relations and colleagues, so much per church visited or a lump sum.Wiltshire Historic Churches Trust is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting church buildings of historic, architectural and community value across the county.
A wonderful outdoor performance of The Odyssey was staged in East Grimstead on 1st August.Beer, wine, hot dogs, popcorn and icecream were were available to purchase and the proceeds were donated to the Save Our Church appeal.Many thanks to James and Hayley Mullens for hosting and organising this delightful evening.
East Grimstead's first Open Gardens event for many years took place on Sunday 6 July. Six lovely gardens were opened and free parking was available on the village green. Tea and lots of delicious homemade cakes were on sale plus plants and garden tools. Robert Kennett (RHS Gold Medal Winner) was available at one of the gardens to answer any garden-related questions. It was a wonderful afternoon with visitors from Alderbury, Whiteparish, Pitton, Farley and Winterslow. Thank you so much to everyone who opened their gardens - we know how much work it took to get the gardens ready for public display. The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic and appreciative. Fellow gardeners loved looking around and know what a privilege it is to see private gardens.Thank you Steve and Michelle Ferarri for organising this marvellous event and to everyone who supported us and help raise over £1,300 for the Save Our Church campaign.We plan to hold another Open Gardens in 2027.
