Arundel and South Downs MP Nick Herbert visited Sullington Manor Farm on Friday (10 July) to meet volunteers involved in a major restoration of ancient buildings.

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Grade 2 listed Sullington Manor Farm, and the adjoining Saxon church of St Mary’s, were selected by the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) for restoration by their national Working Party this year.

Conservation experts led over 120 volunteers during the week-long event. Working alongside specialists, the volunteers were given the opportunity to undertake tasks including repointing with lime mortar, repairing timber using traditional methods, and flintwork.

The event was nicknamed ‘Limefest’ because of the extensive lime mortar and limewashing work that was done as part of restoration. The main working party of volunteers camped on site, creating a festival-like atmosphere.

Mr Herbert was invited to the event by the farm's owners, Grahame and Gail Kittle, and was one of over 1,000 people who visited the farm site to see the crafts and skills being used by the Working Party. The MP was shown around the site by SPAB Director Matthew Slocombe and project leader Jonny Garlick.

A Faith in Maintenance course was also run by SPAB to guide local church wardens on how to look after church buildings.

Sullington Manor Farm has received an award from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support further repairs to the small barn and to create an exhibition space and café.

Nick Herbert said: “It was exciting to learn that the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings had chosen Sullington Manor Farm as this year’s project from a list of national sites. These local buildings are very special and it was terrific to see so many people involved in the restoration.

“I learnt that the work of SPAB members and supporters is of great value, not just in saving our ancient buildings, but in handing down valuable skills."

ENDS

Notes

1. Photograph attached – John Russell, SPAB volunteer, Gail Kittle, host, Nick Herbert MP, Matthew Slocombe, Director of SPAB, and Jonny Garlick, SPAB Working Party Project Leader.

2. For more information about the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings and about the SPAB Working Party 2015, see www.spab.org.uk.

MP visits restoration at Sullington Manor Farm