The Churches Conservation Trust

St Peters Church SandwichThe Churches Conservation Trust, a registered charity, has been in existence for over thirty-five years. It looks after over 330 churches nationwide, including the two ‘redundant’ churches of St Mary’s and St Peter’s in Sandwich.

St Peter’s came into the care of TCCT in 1974 because of its architectural importance. The CCT looks after its churches in much the same way as English Heritage or the National Trust look after their buildings, preserving them ‘as found’ and making them accessible to the public. Whilst maintaining its churches to a high standard of conservation, TCCT seeks to bring them back to suitable community uses, most commonly by working in partnership with local people. New uses need not detract from the historic fabric.

Visitors are able to view the buildings without having to attend the events being held in them. The churches remain consecrated although no longer used for regular worship. There are many levels at which local partnerships can work to secure the day to day running of the churches. At St Peter’s, the admirable work of the late Roy Hodgson, MBE, led to the establishment of a keen group of volunteers to care for the church. In January 2005, the Friends of St Peter’s was formed to carry this work forward.

THE FRIENDS OF ST PETER’S

The Friends of St Peter’s exists to support the work of The Churches Conservation Trust in caring for the church’s interior and exterior welfare. A committee liaises with TCCT and local people to manage the day to day running of the church, develop its use as a community venue and educational resource, and to play a part in raising funds for its future enhancement. By becoming a ‘Friend’ you will be helping to protect St Peter’s now and for the future. Your application fee (and any donations you may choose to make) will contribute to the church’s welfare and development, helping to ensure that it can remain open to the public and continue to offer a place of sanctuary to those who seek its peace.