URGENT S.O.S Appeal

The History

As St Peter's is a Grade II listed building, the Church Wardens and the Rector have a responsibility to ensure its upkeep. A recent surveyor's report identified significant problems with the condition of the church roof, and windows. A recommendation has been made that URGENT work be carried out as soon as possible to rectify the issues. This work will ensure the church remains water-tight and to prevent the possibility of damage to the interior of the church and all its historical contents.
​Roof tiles are deteriorating, many of them de-laminating, and there is clear evidence of slipping and damaged tiles which pose a serious risk to life. In addition it was noted that some work was needed to stonework and also that gutters and drainpipes were also in need of repair. The report also identified weaknesses in the existing windows and frames that require URGENT attention. These issues have been highlighted on several reports with URGENT action now required.

The parish was founded by St Wilfrid over thirteen centuries ago. It stands today in two parts: one, the old chancel known as St Wilfrid's Chapel at Church Norton, and the other, this parish church of St Peter. In the mid-19th century, it was found to be inconvenient to have the parish church situated some 2 miles away, and so it was decided to move the church from Norton and re-erect it, stone by stone, on its present site.
Removal began in November 1864, and the stones and pillars were transported on farm carts to the new site, together with the magnificent oak roof with its king and queen posts. The project took some 18 months to complete and the re-erected church incorporating the late 12th century arcades of three bays of the original building and was consecrated on 12th April 1866. The church is now a Grade II listed building.

Church Status

How you can help!

Many people are surprised to hear that the Church is in fact a registered Charity and the running and upkeep of the Church is largely managed through donations and fundraising efforts alone.
While the Diocese does provide funding for vital services such as the the employment of the rector, many of the other services and amenities are funded by the Church. Therefore with limited funds to carry out the work to the roof at this time, the generation of vital funds are required more urgently then ever.

Sponsor A Tile!

As part of our S.O.S Appeal we are running a Sponsor a Tile campaign.
There are an estimated 30,000 tiles on the roof of St Peters Church with it coming to an estimated £50,000 per face of the roof to replace them. Therefore we require £100,000 to replace the roof.
The remaining £20,000 is required for the immediate repair to the windows around the church including urgent repairs to one of our historic stain glass windows.
By pledging £5.00 to our appeal you will have donated the cost of 1 tile and associated installation work. A larger pledge will also support the essential work to the windows.
Can you help by pledging £5 today?

At this time, St Peters Church is in URGENT need of repair to save this historic building. We URGENTLY need to raise over £120,000 to replace the whole roof and to carry out the emergency works to the windows. Failure to raise these funds will ultimately impact the churches ability to continue its service to the parish, threatening future weddings, funerals, christenings, regular Sunday services and our popular Christmas services every year.
While we appreciate times are challenging, we are calling for the support of the community of Selsey to support us in raising the vital funds and we would kindly ask for donations at this time.

How to Donate!

Donations can be made via a number of methods. A Just Giving page has been created to support our fundraising efforts. In addition Donations can be made directly to the Church in cash or by cheque. A restoration fund account has been created to facilitate the payment of cheques under the St Peter's P.C.C Restoration Fund.
​Donate by visiting our Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stpeterschurchselsey

Or donate directly to St Peters Church by posting Cheques to:
The Rectory, 75 St Peter's Crescent, Selsey, West Sussex, PO20 0NA
Cheques to be made out to:
St Peter's P.C.C Restoration Fund
Please contact the Rector or Church Wardens for further information.