A FOLK concert has launched a Trotton church as a community hub.
The well attended evening in St George’s was a mix of traditional and original folk ballads and songs by singer and songwriter Rosie Hodgson – who was born and still lives in Trotton – and her partner, Irish fiddler Rowan Piggott.
The evening raised more than £500 toward re-roofing St George’s mediaeval sister church, St Mary’s in Chithurst.
Churchwardens Nicholas Hall and Sasha Boam said they were thrilled the evening had been a success and the match funding had now been raised that will attract grants from the Listed Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund.
Nicolas added: “I hope the community hub can play an important part in the future viability of both churches.”
They are part of the United Benefice of Rogate, with Terwick and Trotton with Chithurst led by the Reverend Edward Doyle.
Services, currently about two a month, will continue at St George’s, but the focus will shift to its new role as a community venue, hosting events that generate income.
Rev Doyle said: “More active use of the church will bring people together more, and relieve the congregation of some part of the cost of keeping both churches alive.”
To launch the community hub the help pf Trotton with Chithurst Parish Council was enlisted.
Council chairman Carola Brown said the council agreed to help towards improving the amenity facilities of St George’s use as there wasn’t a community facility in the parish.
Rosie Hodgson, also a councillor, added: "I started school in Rogate and Father Edward has been my vicar all my life. St George’s and St Mary’s are wonderful buildings that are suffering from much smaller rural and church populations.
“Churches were always centres of community life, and we’d like ours to regain that position. I am so happy we have been able to kick off our community hub plan so successfully".
This Saturday the church hosts a book launch by the former Church of England director of cathedrals and church buildings, Janet Gough, who will also give an illustrated talk on ‘how to choose your favourite church’.
Her book covers churches which she says: “Are all extraordinary buildings, many containing exceptional treasures.”
All community hub events are free, but contributions to the roof fund would be much appreciated, says Mr Hall.
Details of events are on the village website at www.trotton-with-chithurst.org.uk