News & Events Archive
Snave Thanksgiving service
Our annual Thanksgiving service is on Sunday 13th September 2026 at St. Augustine’s Church, Snave. All are welcome
Membership Fees to change in 2027 – Join or Renew Now
As outlined in the 2025 Annual Report and at the 2026 AGM, the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust has announced that membership fees for new members will increase from 1 January 2027. All existing members will continue to pay their current membership rate - it is therefore a good time to join the Trust, renew memberships, or upgrade to Life Membership.
A Successful AGM and Members' Lunch 2026
The Trust’s Annual General Meeting was held on Saturday 16th May 2026 at St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church, Newchurch, with guest speaker Sir Timothy Clifford.
Kent Churches Ride & Stride 2026
The Friends of Kent Churches Ride & Stride returns on Saturday 12th September 2026. Walk, cycle, or explore Romney Marsh’s historic churches while raising funds to support the preservation of Kent’s remarkable church heritage. Participants can visit churches across the county and help ensure these treasured buildings continue to be cared for for future generations.
JAM On The Marsh returns 8-12 July 2026
JAM On The Marsh returns to Romney Marsh 8 - 12 July 2026. Tickets are on sale now!
A magical way to experience the historic churches of Romney Marsh, events this year take place at St. Dunstan's Snargate, St. Nicholas' New Romney, St. Clement's Old Romney, as well as our neighbours St. Leonard's Hythe, New Romney Old School and The Assembly Rooms.
New churchyard path laid at St. Mary’s, East Guldeford
Visitors to St. Mary’s Church, East Guldeford, are now enjoying a greatly improved approach thanks to the successful completion of a new pathway project, part-funded by the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust.
The Trust awarded a grant of £4,983 towards the relaying of the churchyard path, with additional contributions from the church itself and another supporting trust. This collaborative effort has transformed what was once a difficult and uneven route into a safe, accessible pathway for all.
Community events in the Romney Marsh churches
Across the Romney Marsh, our historic churches are brought to life by a wide range of events organised by local church teams and community groups. From talks and concerts to open days and seasonal celebrations, these events not only showcase the unique character of each church but many events also help raise vital funds for their care and preservation.
AGM & Members’ Lunch 2026
The Trust’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 16th May 2026 at St. Peter & St. Paul’s Church, Newchurch, at 2:30pm.
The Members’ Lunch will be held at 12:30pm at Newchurch Village Hall.
Discover the Romney Marsh Churches This Spring
Spring is one of the most beautiful times to explore the Romney Marsh. As the landscape comes alive with fresh colour and longer, brighter days, our historic churches offer the perfect places to pause, reflect, and discover centuries of history and character.
Whether you’re planning a day trip, a weekend break, or simply passing through, a visit to the Romney Marsh churches is a wonderful way to experience the unique charm of this special corner of Kent.
£38,000 Window Restoration Completed at St Peter & St Paul, Newchurch
Essential conservation work to a south aisle window at St Peter & St Paul, Newchurch was completed at the end of November 2025, funded by the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust at a cost of £38,000. The stone window frame had become badly cracked and increasingly unsafe. Without intervention, the deterioration would have worsened, posing risks both to visitors and to the historic fabric of the building.
Save the dates!
We are pleased to share advance notice of our key annual events. Full details and booking information will be available shortly, but we hope members and supporters will mark the dates in their diaries now.
A major stonework restoration project completed at Ivychurch
The Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust has supported a major stonework restoration project at St George’s Church, Ivychurch, one of the largest and most significant conservation initiatives it has funded in recent years.
Government Announces New Places of Worship Fund as VAT Relief Ends
In January 2026, the UK Government announced changes to funding arrangements for places of worship that have implications for the care and conservation of historic church buildings across England.
The existing Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme, which had operated for more than 20 years and allowed churches to reclaim VAT on qualifying repair and maintenance work, will come to an end on 31 March 2026.
2025 Recap - A busy year for The Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust
2025 has been another full and successful year for the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust, with a wide programme of events, visits and community activities celebrating and supporting the historic churches of the Romney Marsh, as well as projects to maintain and restore the buildings themselves.
Discover the Magic of the Romney Marsh Churches This Christmas
As the year turns and winter light lies soft over the quiet Romney Marsh fields, Romney Marsh’s medieval churches take on an especially atmospheric charm. From ancient stone arches dusted with frost, to candlelit services and robins singing in peaceful churchyards, visiting these historic buildings during the Christmas season is a wonderfully reflective and festive experience.
All Saints’, Lydd – the Inspiration for Our 2025 Christmas Card
We’re delighted to announce that the image featured on this year’s Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust Christmas card is All Saints Church, Lydd, beautifully captured in a new watercolour painting by the Trust’s President, John Doyle MBE PPRWS.
Survey shows why local Trusts matter more than ever
A survey by the National Churches Trust (NCT), reported in The Church Times and other media recently, has sounded a stark warning for the future of Britain’s places of worship. Around five per cent of the churches that responded said they were “definitely” or “probably” facing closure within the next five years - a figure that could translate into hundreds of lost buildings across the country.
Christmas events in the Romney Marsh churches
Christmas makes for a particularly atmospheric time to visit the medieval churches on Romney Marsh.
Church events and services are coordinated by the volunteers and clergy who oversee each individual church (the PCCs). We will endeavour to add Christmas events and services to this page as we receive details.
Special events in the Romney Marsh Churches for Heritage Open Days
Over half of the Romney Marsh Historic Churches are participating in Heritage Open Days 2025, which runs from Friday 12 to Sunday 21 September 2025.
With tours, talks and towers open, all for free, it’s the perfect time to visit these globally-important architectural wonders on Romney Marsh in Kent.
Special events are happening every day during the festival period, as part of England’s largest festival of history and culture.
Church & Craft Workshops - 23rd August at St. Nicholas’ Church, New Romney
Discover, create and explore! Unleash your creativity with our Church & Craft Workshops, held in the beautiful setting of St. Nicholas’ Church, New Romney.
Choose from four fun activities, suitable for all skill levels, guided by expert artists.
Discount available for RMHCT Members.
(Rescheduled from St. George’s, Ivychurch on Saturday 5th April).