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.
Run entirely by volunteers, the Trust helps care for 14 medieval churches across the Marsh and works to ensure they remain open, accessible and valued by local communities and visitors alike.
Annual General Meeting and Members’ Lunch
The Trust’s Annual General Meeting was held at St Augustine’s Church, Brookland on 10th May, with special guest speakers Sir Michael Palin and his son William. 250 people filled the medieval church, with 75 also joining for the Members’ Lunch at Brookland Village Hall.
Members heard reports on grants awarded, conservation work supported during the year, and future priorities for the Trust. Importantly, this annual event brings supporters together in a relaxed and friendly setting to share news and celebrate the Trust’s achievements.
Tours
A much-enjoyed highlight of the year was the Members’ Tour, which gave Trust members the opportunity to visit a selection of Romney Marsh churches with expert commentary - this year the historic churches at Dymchurch, Burmarsh and Newchurch. The tour, hosted by expert Joan Campbell, offered behind-the-scenes insights into architectural features, conservation challenges and local history, and remains an important way of thanking members for their continued support.
Several external groups also enjoyed tours of the Romney Marsh churches during the year, hosted by our expert guides.
Heritage Open Days 2025
For the first time, the Trust participated in Heritage Open Days (12–21 September 2025), England’s largest annual heritage festival.
Eight Romney Marsh churches took part, opening their doors free of charge and offering guided visits, displays, talks, tower access and family-friendly activities. Churches at Snave, New Romney, St Mary-in-the-Marsh, Fairfield, Dymchurch, Brookland, Lydd and Ivychurch welcomed visitors from across the region, helping to showcase the Marsh’s remarkable architectural and social history. We’re already planning more events for Heritage Open Days 2026.
Thanksgiving Service at Snave
During the Heritage Open Days period, the Trust held its annual Thanksgiving Service at St Augustine’s Church, Snave. This well-attended service brought together volunteers, members and local residents to give thanks for the work of the Trust and the continued care of the Marsh churches - a chance to see the only redundant church on Romney Marsh brought to life once more.
Community Engagement
Educational engagement also featured strongly during the year. For the first time, Church & Craft activities and school-linked projects introduced children and young people to the history of the Marsh churches, combining learning with creativity and helping to inspire future interest in local heritage. Five local primary schools participated, involving 675 children!
Wider community engagement and collaborations remained a central part of the Trust’s work in 2025. The Trust again encouraged participation in the Kent Churches Ride & Stride, where walkers and cyclists to visit local churches while raising vital funds for church maintenance and conservation.
The Trust was also pleased to support engagement with JAM On The Marsh, the popular local music festival which brings live performances into historic church settings across the Marsh. Events like this help introduce new audiences to these buildings and reinforce their role as welcoming community spaces.
Maintenance and Restoration
The Trust continued to fund and support a wide range of maintenance and conservation projects, from routine repairs and redecoration work, to major restorations. In particular, St. George’s at Ivychurch has seen a major project to repair masonry, helping to keep the building weatherproof for years to come.
Christmas events and cards
Details were announced of Christmas services and events across the Marsh churches, alongside the release of the Trust’s 2025 Christmas card, featuring artwork inspired by All Saints’ Church, Lydd. Proceeds from card sales help support the Trust’s ongoing work.
A Shared Community Achievement
Throughout 2025, the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust has continued to demonstrate how community involvement can help safeguard local heritage. From open church days and guided tours to worship, education, arts and fundraising, the Trust’s work ensures that these remarkable buildings remain a living and valued part of the Marsh landscape.
For more information about events, membership or how to get involved, residents are encouraged to browse this website or join our mailing list - subscribe below.
