Steyning church makes final appeal for donations to urgently-needed new lighting system

An incredible community effort has brought Steyning Parish Church close to the total needed for urgent work on the lighting system.
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With a crucial deadline approaching, an appeal has been made for final donations, so the scheme for St Andrew and St Cuthman Church can go ahead as planned, without having to be cut back.

The Let There Be Light fundraising team set a target of £70,000 earlier in the year for the urgently-needed new lighting system and so far, almost £60,000 has been raised.

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Father Mark Heather, vicar of Steyning, said a further £10,000 was needed, otherwise the scheme would have to be cut back.

Jeremy Tomlinson, chairman of the Friends of Steyning Church, and Father Mark Heather, the vicar of SteyningJeremy Tomlinson, chairman of the Friends of Steyning Church, and Father Mark Heather, the vicar of Steyning
Jeremy Tomlinson, chairman of the Friends of Steyning Church, and Father Mark Heather, the vicar of Steyning

“We’re so thankful to the Friends of the church for a substantial donation, as well as for the many individual gifts we have received to date, especially as the past six months has asked a lot from all of us,” he added.

“However, if we’re to realise this target which we’re so close to, we must ask you to ask your friends and family whether they’re in a position to help, too. Let There Be Light is a project which will ensure the church can be fit for purpose for many years to come.”

The Parochial Church Council has commissioned consultants to design a new lighting installation which will improve the quality of light, as well as highlighting historical features of the beautiful building.

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The pressure is on to find the remaining funds quickly, as work needs to take place soon, so the church can pass its next electrical inspection and be ready for the busy year of weddings set to take place in 2021, following numerous postponements caused by Covid-19.

The church will also overhaul its electrical system, which is many years out of date.

A new audio system has already been installed and further plans are under discussion by the PCC to make the church more comfortable and accessible.

People are invited to fund lighting for a specific area of the church, request a deferred promise or make a direct payment by cheque to the Steyning PCC. Email [email protected] or call 01903 813276 for more information.

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