Community Invited to Walk Together to Launch £1 Million Church Restoration Appeal
05 August 2026 12:49
“Beating the Bounds for 1 Million Pounds”.
Residents, businesses and community organisations are being invited to take part in a unique day of celebration as Pulborough Parish Church launches its £1 million “Strength in Stone, Spirit in Community” Appeal.
Taking place on Saturday 19th September, the event will bring together people from across the parish in support of an essential project to repair the church’s historic stonework, helping to safeguard one of Sussex’s most treasured landmarks for future generations.
The day will begin with a 13.7 mile sponsored walk around most of the parish boundary. Alternatively, to ensure people of all ages and abilities can take part, a shorter route of 4.5 miles, will take walkers through and around the village, taking in part of the parish boundary. Local businesses, schools, Scout and Guide groups, sports clubs, community organisations and residents are all being encouraged to walk all or part of the route, volunteer at checkpoints or support participants along the way.
The walk symbolises the whole community coming together to protect the building that has stood at the heart of parish life for centuries and looks back in time to the tradition of “Beating the Bounds”
Following the walk, everyone is invited back to the church for an evening of celebration featuring a hog roast, refreshments, spectacular lighting and a video presentation projected inside the church, narrated in part by celebrated actor Juliet Stevenson. The presentation will tell the story of the church, and highlight its role as a cherished asset for the whole community.
The appeal aims to raise £1 million to fund essential conservation work to the church’s historic stonework, ensuring the building can continue to serve the community for generations to come.
Laura Batchelor, Chair of the Strength in Stone, Spirit in Community Appeal Committee, said:
“Our church has stood at the heart of Pulborough for centuries. It has witnessed countless baptisms, weddings and funerals, offered comfort in difficult times and celebration in joyful ones, and remains a place that belongs to the whole community. This appeal is about much more than repairing stonework. It is about preserving our shared heritage and ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy and use this remarkable building.”
The organisers hope that businesses, charities and community groups will each play their part in making the launch a memorable occasion and demonstrating the remarkable community spirit that exists throughout the parish.
Whether participants choose to walk the full thirteen miles, complete a shorter section, volunteer their time or simply come along to enjoy the evening celebrations, everyone is warmly invited to take part.
Further details, sponsorship opportunities and registration information will be announced over the coming weeks.
Event at a Glance
What: Strength in Stone, Spirit in Community Appeal Launch
Where: Pulborough Parish Church and around the parish boundary
When: Saturday 19th September
Highlights:
- Official launch of the £1 million appeal
- Sponsored 13 -mile Community Boundary Walk (with shorter alternative available)
- Community celebration with food and refreshments
- Evening sound and light presentation in the church, narrated by Juliet Stevenson.
- Opportunities to support the church’s restoration
For more information, please contact:
Laura Batchelor, Chair of the “Strength in Stone, Spirit in Community Appeal”
Telephone: 07788 453533
Email: batchelorlaura@hotmail.com
Website: Friendsofpulboroughparishchurch.org