THE FIRST in a series of fundraising events for the monument to Dame Margery Caryll at Greatham Old Church has been held.
The tomb of Dame Margery dates from 1632 and needs specialist conservation work costing at least £7,000.
The tomb rests in the 13th century chancel of the Old Church of St John the Baptist in Greatham.
The Old Church Group, which looks after the church on behalf of its owner, Greatham Parish Council, has launched a campaign to raise funds.
East Hampshire District Council has agreed to support the project, and other grants are being sought.
The first fundraising event saw Dame Margery’s tomb decorated with flowers to celebrate the 407th anniversary of her marriage to Sir Richard Caryll Bt of South Harting.
The event was attended by members of the Harting Society, and a £50 cheque was presented by the chairman of the society, John Stevens, to the chairman of the Greatham Old Church Group, Alan Bridgman.
The Harting Society’s donation will go towards the restoration of Dame Margery’s tomb.
Anna Dale-Harris, who is on the Old Church committee, said:?“We hope to start the conservation work this summer.”
The flowers were all provided and arranged by Barbara Cope, a freelance florist, who has lived in Greatham for more than 40 years, in Greatham Green Cottages, opposite the Old Church.
Barbara is a member of the Old Church committee and will be making hand-tied posies for sale in the village later in the summer.
A summer evening event will also be held at the Old Church on Saturday, July 29.