Members and supporters gather for our 2025 AGM and Members’ Lunch
Actor, writer and presenter Sir Michael Palin and his architectural conservationist son William Palin, were the special guest speakers for our 2025 AGM, which took place at St. Augustine’s in Brookland on Saturday 10th May 2025. Nearly 250 people filled the medieval church at Brookland on this sunny afternoon, with 75 also joining for the Members’ Lunch at Brookland Village Hall, which was fully booked. Thank you to all who came to show their support, including our volunteers.
Event photos by Helen Sloman and Jo Thompson. Brookland church photos by Andy Marshall.
A delicious Members’ Lunch at Brookland Village Hall was provided by Penny Cobb and her team, while volunteers from St. Augustine’s organised a wonderful spread of refreshments in the church.
RMHCT volunteers were on-hand to offer books and cards to attendees, including our 2025 Christmas Cards (these will be available to order online soon).
With members settled, RMHCT Trustees shared the charity’s latest developments, achievements and accounts. Our VIP guests then led a relaxed and engaging half-hour discussion, including taking questions from those gathered.
Sir Michael spoke of the family’s connection to churches. His great uncle was the Reverend William Palin (1803-1882), Rector of Stifford in Essex from 1834 until his death in 1882. Sir Michael’s father was a bellringer at St John's, Ranmoor in Sheffield, and would often take him to visit churches as a child. At the AGM, Sir Michael described always wanting to speak from the pulpit and the impact this had on his desire to perform and present. He has portrayed a vicar in several films and TV series during his distinguished career.
His son, William Palin, is widely known as an architectural conservationist, including his work to rescue a Grade II-listed Georgian church at Sherness on the Isle of Sheppey. William came to conservation through an architect uncle, who helped enthuse him about the value of historic buildings, and completed a masters degree in architectural history.
William has spent the past decade rescuing and resurrecting Dockyard Church, from burnt-out ruin to a £9.5 million centre for enterprise. So successful was the project, that it scooped an unprecedented 4 awards at the RIBA South East Awards in 2024, one of the highest prizes in architecture.
In the same year, Sir Michael, who is Vice President of the National Churches Trust, called for urgent action to save churches across the UK, which he described as “tremendously important local heritage”. He has supported a plan by the charity to save the UK’s churches which, as well as places of worship, also serve communities as foodbanks, youth clubs, performance spaces and local meeting points.
As the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust and local PCCs know only too well, maintaining such large and ancient buildings is incredibly expensive, while many churches across the country are seeing their congregations continue to decline.
Like many members of the Trust, the Palins wish to see churches open and used by communities. More than 3,500 churches have closed for good since 2013 according to the National Churches Trust.
We are delighted that both father and son joined us for a fascinating and inspiring afternoon, including attending the Members’ Lunch and staying for tea, where they met many of our members and volunteers. Sir Michael also enjoyed learning about the ancient font at Brookland with RMHCT President John Doyle and Trustee Nick Hudd, which has many fascinating features.
Thank you to all who joined us to celebrate the work of the Trust and to highlight the urgent need to protect these irreplaceable buildings.
We are very grateful for the ongoing support of our members, donors and volunteers who enable the work we do on Romney Marsh. Every single one of our members is helping to ensure the historic churches of the marsh can continue to thrive in the years to come.
We look forward to seeing many of members again at our Members’ Tour of three marsh churches in September (now fully subscribed). Please join us again next year’s AGM and Members’ Lunch, at a different marsh church - details will be announced in early 2026.
Further information
Individual membership costs just £15 per annum, with further concessions for students, couples and over 60s. A sign up form and further details can be found here.
You can also support the churches through donations, volunteering or buy purchasing our books and cards. We would love to see you at one of our next events.
Find out more about St. Augustine’s Brookland and its ancient font.
