Lewes church forced to turn off heating as two lockdowns cripple its finances

The two covid lockdowns have forced a Lewes church to switch-off its heating in an effort to save money and balance its books.
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This now leaves the church colder for its visitors than the ambient temperature outside.

It costs over £90 a day to run St Thomas à Becket, an ancient church in Cliffe High Street.

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The Cliffe parish church relies on donations to survive, many coming from the many visitors who flock to the historic town from around the glove.

St Thomas à Becket Church in LewesSt Thomas à Becket Church in Lewes
St Thomas à Becket Church in Lewes

With the Covid pandemic they simply haven’t come this year.

“We’ve seen our income drop to historically low levels while our outgoings have remained virtually the same”, explains churchwarden Trevor Butler.

“The situation is simply untenable.

“While many sectors have seen government funding, one area to have been totally neglected is churches.

Inside St Thomas à Becket Church in LewesInside St Thomas à Becket Church in Lewes
Inside St Thomas à Becket Church in Lewes

“We were forced to close completely during the first lockdown (back in March) and this time we’ve not been allowed to hold any services.

“The effect has been devastating on our finances.”

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It is hard for a church such as St Thomas’ to save money, with so many fixed costs including an eye-watering £20,600 having to be paid to the Chichester diocese, that’s £56 each and every day that has to be found.

“It comes to something when you can’t even run basis services such as heating”, added Trevor.

“But what else can we do?” he asked.

“Our doors are open every day for people to come in and we know they appreciate the opportunity for private prayer and meditation - we are only sorry that it’s so cold for them at the moment.”

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