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2025 ECCLESIASTICAL BUILDING AWARD SPONSORED BY VALLEY BUILDERS
A restoration, repair, conversion or development scheme, which improves all, or part of an existing or former ecclesiastical building.
Click on any image to view a larger version. The photographs in the Ecclesiastical section show details of the finished project, unless described otherwise.
CATEGORY WINNERS
RESTORATION OF ST MARY’S CHURCH
CHURCH SQUARE, RYE TN31 7HF
Since 2014, EB Sculpture Ltd has led restoration work at St Mary’s Church, Rye. In 2023, the West gable stonework was repaired and the North West pinnacle dismantled to plinth level and rebuilt, with all ferrous metal removed and damaged stones replaced. In 2022, the South West pinnacle underwent similar restoration. Earlier work included restoring the main window, carving new Apex and finial stones to match originals, and hand-carving a replacement cross lost in 1987.
Submitted by: EB Sculpture Ltd. www.ebsculpture.com
Architect: Richard Andrews (Consultant), Carden & Godfrey Architects, details on request.
Craftspeople: Elliott Brotherton and Steve Hill, EB Sculpture Ltd.
Other: John Gurney, Tower Keeper and Church Surveyor.
ST GEORGE’S CHURCH
ST. GEORGE’S ROAD, KEMP TOWN, BRIGHTON BN2 1ED
The restoration of St George’s Church, Kemp Town, a Grade II listed building, focused on internal redecoration, structural repairs, and refinishing to preserve its heritage and support continued worship and community use. Works included plaster and joinery repairs, parquet floor restoration, and minor roof maintenance, all carried out using traditional materials and conservation-grade finishes. A phased approach ensured the church remained operational throughout, while sustainable practices enhanced energy efficiency and protected the building’s fabric and surrounding biodiversity.
Submitted by: DBR Limited. www.dbrlimited.com
Architect: Vallis & Hall Conservation Architects. www.vallisandhall.com.
Site Manager: Jack Herniman, DBR Limited.
Contractors: DBR Limited.
Craftspeople: Jeremy Attwood, Cary Wadey and Eugene Ehrman, DBR Limited | Bryant Decorators. www.bryant-decorators-ltd.co.uk
ST PETER & ST PAUL CHURCH
POUND ROAD, WEST WITTERING PO20 8AJ
The restoration of St Peter and St Paul Church culminated in 2024 with the re-roofing of the oak spire and restoration of the weathervane, completing a phased re-roofing programme begun in 2004. Over two decades, works included eco-heating, a new organ, lighting, and adapting interior spaces for wider community use. Now, interior redecoration and sensitive stonework cleaning have been completed, revealing the building’s original character and ensuring this historic church remains a vibrant, welcoming space for future generations.
Charlotte Kenward received judges’ special commendation for gilding work.
Submitted by: The Martin Sewell Building Company. www.msbc.com | Meynell & Hayes Architects & Surveyors. www.meynellhayes.com
Architect: Richard Meynell, Meynell Hayes Architects & Surveyors.
Site Managers: Adam Chan and James Milne, The Martin Sewell Building Company.
Contractors: The Martin Sewell Building Company | Clarke Roofing Southern Ltd. www.clarke-roofing.co.uk | Shepherd & Grantham Stonemasons.
www.shepherdandgranthamstonemasons.com | Langridge Scaffolding Limited. www.langridgescaffolding.co.uk | George Sayer, South Downs Ecology. www.southdownsecology.co.uk
Craftswoman: Charlotte Kenward, Gilding by Charlotte. www.gildingbycharlotte.co.uk
Other: Stella Pendleton and Reverend Jonathan Swindells, St Peter & St Paul Church.






