The south porch at All Saints’ Church is newer than the rest of the building, having been rebuilt in the 19th century.  It has a roof covered in Horsham stone tiles.  In 2022, some slippage of the tiles was evident, and the iron gutters and drainpipes were in poor condition.  When storms and wet weather in autumn 2023 led to a hole opening in the roof, emergency work had to be done to support the tiles and patch the hole.  This included the construction of a “tunnel”, to allow the church’s only level access to be used by those with limited mobility, as well as for weddings and funerals.

Preparations began for a more durable repair, which would involve the complete removal and restoration of the roof tiles, and the repair or replacement of gutters and drainpipes.  The work was expected to cost around £60,000.

Fundraising from the local community quickly showed the value attached to the church building among those who value its place at the foot of the West Hill in Hastings Old Town.  Over £17,000 in individual donations was received.  Grant applications were made to a number of charities.

The work was expected to take place in summer 2024, but poor weather in the first part of the year led to waiting lists for roofing projects like ours.  Work began in March 2025.

The roof restoration work was completed in July 2025, and the improvement is remarkable.  Carefully laid tiles (including some replacement Hosham stone) are now smartly pointed, with bright new guttering and drainpipes.  We trust that the benefits of this work will be felt for hundreds of years, especially as the church’s only level-access entrance is now in great condition.