Our Mission
The tower of St. Swithun's can be seen from many parts of the town, and it plays an important part in our civic life. As well as being a place of worship the Church is in constant use by schools, choirs, charities, and other community groups.

It is also important in the lives of many individual people in our town as the a place for happy occasions like Christenings and Weddings, and for sad times like the funerals of loved ones.

Although the congregation raise £100,000p.a, sadly, it is not enough to meet the cost of major items of expenditure on the building.

It is our sincere and urgent wish that you may be able to help us with this appeal, as we seek to preserve and enhance our lovely Church.

Please give as much as you can.

Outside all might appear healthy but inside stone is seen to be heavily corroded.

The Church stands at the centre of the historic conservation area of East Grinstead and is a testament to the care of our forefathers. We too must show equal care and foresight for the benefit of future generations. 

Since 1979 the Trust Fund has provided approximately half a million pounds for work on the repair and restoration of the roofs and the stained glass windows. It is independent of the Parochial Church Council, and is a registered charity (number 279191). The ring of twelve bells (the only one in Sussex) was recast and re-hung in 1982.
 

Here you can see the corroded stone work on the tower high above the town

 The Architects' reports on the fabric of the building shows that much urgent work is still required. The Trust is committed to ongoing programmes of repairs that will ensure that generations to come will be able to use this fine building.

Corroding iron cramps, ties and bars are causing the stonework to split and causing structural damage to the fabric. The windows are rusting away and other essential repairs are also planned. The stone flagged floor of the nave, aisles and porches needs to be re-laid.

Our report to the Charity Commissioners -

"The Restoration Trust had a successful year. We were able to make generous donations to St Swithuns Church and a number of major building projects have been successfully completed. Rotting frames to a number of precious stained glass windows have been replaced with long lasting stainless steel and a large amount of crumbling sandstone has been replaced by skilled craftsmen.

The works that were deemed to be essential in the last quinquennial inspection by the Diocesan architect are now completed.

On the income side, we have successfully applied to a number of charitable trusts and have received generous grants from the East Grinstead War Memorial Trust, the Sussex Historical Churches Trust and the Gatwick Community Trust. In addition, we have had our own successful fundraising events and several generous donations from individuals and charities. The works have been completed and we will endeavour to build up our funds in advance of the next quinquennial inspection.
 

UPDATE: The works begin ! The scaffolding goes up. CLICK HERE FOR MORE WORKS PHOTOS

	Legacy Information
	For more information on the life of the Church go to www.swithun.co.uk Milestones last year
	The Scaffolding arrives for the start of the repointing and window repairs
	The Vicar Abseils and raises £1000
	May Fair Effort raises £1000 Past Milestones Feb 1 - major works plans agreed.   March 15 th A CONCERT was held by the town Band. FOR PICTURES & details click here.   May Fair - Fundraising around the Church.   A Concert and WIne Tasting was held.   Christmas Carol Concert Weds December 17th. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PHOTOS

How You Can help?
By giving a lump sum gift.
By covenanting a gift over a number of years- £4 per week covenanted would yield £1000 in 4 years - the cost of 2 pints of beer per week.
By an interest free loan.
By a gift of shares or property.
By remembering St. Swithun's Restoration Trust in your Will.

Cheques should be made payable to The St. Swithun's  Appeal, and sent to the St. Swithun's Restoration Trust, c/o The Vicar, The Vicarage, Church Lane, East Grinstead, West Sussex.