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.
The Trust enters its next chapter in a strong position, as it transitions to Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status to help secure its future for generations to come (find out more here). At the same time, the challenges facing historic churches continue to grow. Rising conservation costs and changes to government funding mean that reliable support from members and donors is becoming increasingly important in helping to safeguard the unique heritage of Romney Marsh.
Inflation continues to increase the cost of repairs and specialist craftsmanship, while the recent ending of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme means churches can no longer routinely reclaim VAT on eligible repair works. As a result, many essential conservation projects now face significantly higher costs than before.
New membership fees from 1 January 2027
To help ensure the Trust can continue supporting churches across the Marsh, membership fees for new members will change from 1 January 2027 as follows:
Single Membership: £20 per year (increase from £15 per year)
Joint Membership for spouses and partners: £30 per year (increase from £20 per year)
Life Membership for over-60s: £200 (increase from £100)
There will no longer be concessionary rates for over-60s or students.
Importantly, all existing members will continue to pay their current membership rate.
Join now
For anyone considering joining the Trust, renewing their membership or upgrading to Life Membership, there is a clear advantage in acting before the new rates come into effect. By joining now, you can secure today's lower rates while helping the Trust meet the growing challenges of church conservation in the years ahead.
If your membership is due for renewal soon, you may also wish to consider renewing early. And if you happen to be approaching your 60th birthday before January, now could be a particularly good time to do so.
Every membership helps protect the remarkable churches that make Romney Marsh unique. There has never been a more important time to support their future.