Donnington church reveals plans to install mediaeval style wrought iron chandeliers

A scheme to replace the lights with low energy mediaeval style wrought iron chandeliers in the main part of the church and mediaeval style lanterns in the side aisles (where no lighting currently exists) has been prepared.

The vicar, Rev James Cooper, said: “It is not very light at pew level for reading hymn books and prayer books on dark winter days, especially for anyone whose eyesight is not its sharpest.

“Added to that, various historic building experts have been less than complimentary, over the years, about its artistic merit in a Grade I listed building.”

English Heritage, The Society for The Protection of Ancient Buildings and the Victorian Society have all been consulted and no objection has been raised.

The Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Church Buildings has also given its support.

Fr James said: “So, apart from the fundraising, we are on the last lap. We are in the process of applying for a Faculty (the ecclesiastical equivalent of listed building consent) and the plans are out for public examination, but that suddenly became a bit difficult.

“With the church and parish hall closed we have had to be imaginative on how we can make the plans available for public examination, so they have been put on our website – www.achurchnearyou.com/church/4871/page/57746/view – and there is a link to both Youtube and Facebook presentations.

“However, as always, we are very conscious that not everyone is connected or can use the internet, so to be fully inclusive the plans and a presentation have been mounted in the window of the parish hall and we are grateful to the Chichester Observer for helping to draw attention to that.”

If anyone has any questions they can email: [email protected] or write to the vicarage at 34 Graydon Avenue, Donnington, PO19 8RF.

Fr James said: “So much work has gone into getting the best design for this building that we hope no one will wish to object, but if anyone does wish to lodge a formal objection it should be sent to The Diocesan Registrar, Matthew Chinery, at Minerva House, 5 Montague Close, London, SE1 9BB, or by email: [email protected] so that it reaches the registrar no later than May 31.”

The main part of the church was re built about 1246, while St Richard was Bishop of Chichester, on the site of an earlier church (c1000).

Following a fire in 1939, caused by an oil lamp used for lighting, when the church lost a lot of its roof, electricity was installed before it re-opened – somehow restored by the community while the war was on and materials were in short supply.

The electricity supply was laid by a P Arnell, working for Chichester Corporation in the days when local authorities were responsible for such services.

The lighting was replaced with fluorescent lights in the 1980s, which was all that the parish could afford at the time, but it is now coming to the end of its life.

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