St Mary’s Church, West Dean has recently undergone much needed re-decoration. The faded paintwork and rusty railings are shiny again, and the church has replaced the halogen lights with LEDs which are brighter and more energy efficient. Now the plasterwork is all repaired it is possible to see the stunning decorative paintwork in all its glory. Half of the cost was raised through a series of events organised in and by the village: a Safari Supper, a Summer Ball, a talk by Kate Adie, an Open Gardens day, a Harvest Supper and a Village Family Lunch with games.
St Paul's and St Peter's in Blandford Forum has revamped its interior decoration, timber, roofs, and the reredos. Niklaus Pevsner, who wrote in the buildings of England book series, described this church as ‘one of the most satisfying Georgian ensembles anywhere in England’. The church had been on the Heritage at Risk Register for several years and was described as being of ‘Immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric’, there was much to be thankful for when an application came before the DAC in 2020 for a major scheme of repair. Historic England commented that the scheme was thorough, clearly presented and is clearly essential in providing a sustainable long-term future.
They have been awarded with Runner Up DAC award for Conservation.
