Shobdon Church Preservation Trust
Protecting the fabric of this building of national importance for future generations

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Lecture by Sir Simon Jenkins marks the launch of
Shobdon Church Preservation Trust


An invited audience of over two hundred people listened to an illustrated lecture about Britain's churches by the renowned author and journalist, Sir Simon Jenkins to mark the launch of the Shobdon Church Preservation Trust.

Introduced by the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Sir Thomas Dunne, he talked about some of his favourite churches in Britain, including the "Strawberry Hill Gothik" style of Shobdon with it's ornate, white and blue interior. He also remarked that "Shobdon was a church where every service is a wedding - and you get to eat it afterwards", before making a plea to "keep churches open to the public", saying that "the safest churches were the ones that were occupied by people" and "that most insurance claims for churches were for damages locks!"

Sir Simon was thanked by the chairman of Shobdon Church Preservation Trust, Simon Arbuthnott who appealed for donations and legacies to keep this "National Treasure" for future generations, and advised the audience that HRH The Prince of Wales had visited earlier in the year and made a donation.

After the lecture the guests enjoyed lunch at Shobdon Court and the opportunity to visit the church, Shobdon Arches and arboretum. Information About the Trust is available from The Secretary

 
Simon Arbuthnott, chairman Shobdon Church Preservation Trust (SCPT), Sir Simon Jenkins, Penny Corbett (SCPT), Rev Julie Read, Rector ArrowVale Group of Parishes (which includes Shobdon)
Sir Simon Jenkins signing the visitor's book with Penny Corbett and Simon Arbuthnott in background
Some of the Patrons of the SCPT L-R; Sophie Blain, Rt Rev John Oliver, Lady Diane Nutting, Sir Thomas Dunne, The Countess of Darnley (representing the Earl of Darnley)
L-R; Douglas Blain, Tony Ditcham, Fiona & Anthony Gallerie Pratt, Sophie Blain.
L-R; Sir Thomas Dunne and Councillor Roger Phillips
Mary Whithall and Sir Simon Jenkins