All Saints Bell Tower Appeal – Progress Report

The appeal to raise funds for the repair of the bell tower at All Saints Church is moving forward with a little over half of the £300,000 funds raised; however, the Church needs to continue to grow local contributions through pledges for significant donations and other fundraising.

Picture by Gillian Key

Grant applications have been submitted to the Garfield Weston Foundation and to the National Churches Trust (this is stage one of the process – if successful, the detailed application is then made) and conversations are under way with The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help shape an application in the format giving the best chance of success.

As previously highlighted, pledges are sought by 31st July 2025. This will help in the applications for grants by showing not only that, with the grants being sought, the Church will be able to raise all the funds needed, but also demonstrating the strong local support for, and commitment to, putting the Church into good shape for future generations. 

Donation pledges can be made using this Bell Tower Pledge Form.

No pledges will be called in until it is clear that the necessary funds are in place to allow the repairs to proceed.

Further information is available on the Church Website: www.allsaintsmilford.org.uk

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About All Saints Bell Tower Appeal 

All Saints' Church was founded between 1070 and 1086. It was extended during the 13th, 14th, and 17th centuries, and extensive repairs were carried out in the 1920s.

However, the render on the tower in the 1920s is now cracking and letting water in, damaging the stonework; two stained glass windows also need to be removed and repaired. Urgent repairs are required to preserve the tower before the damage becomes unmanageable. £300,000 needs to be raised through grants and fundraising.  

The Church is not just a place of worship. Still, the building is a community space asset, where we gather to celebrate baptisms, marriages, thanksgivings, school events and celebrations, Remembrance Day services and host charity fundraising concerts and other events.

Previous generations in the village have ensured the church has been maintained, and the responsibility has now passed to it. It is incumbent on the current generation to make the tower safe, preserve the building, and keep the bells ringing so that the church remains at the heart of the community for future generations.

All Saints' Church & Church Hall

Greenbanks Close, Milford on Sea, SO41 0SQ

01590 644992

office@allsaintsmilford.org.uk

www.allsaintsmilford.org.uk

www.facebook.com/AllSaintsMilfordOnSea