By Peter Mann

An unexpected grant late 2021 from the government’s Culture Recovery Fund enabled the Friends of Friendless Churches, which owns St Denis’ in East Hatley, to replaster sections of the nave and carry out other remedial work.

It is a transformation which allows St Denis’ to be open every day from around 8.30 am to dusk for anyone to look round, for quiet contemplation and for ‘simple’ events such as an art or photographic exhibition.

This is a building which has been through a considerable trauma in the last 20 years – from an ivy covered wreck in great danger of demolition (2003) to rescue (under duress) by South Cambs District Council (2006) to now being loved and cared for by the Friends of Friendless Churches.

It is, therefore, a delight to be able to bring the St Denis’ story up to date, to explain why investing in our built heritage matters, despite the cost, and publicly thank the people and organisations who made it happen…

• St Denis’ re-skinned – new plaster gives new life to 800 year old church.

_{Post created 12th June 2022; minor update 4th January 2023.}