Main Re-ordering
After the bells were completed we continued to work with the DAC and The National Lottery Heritage Fund to progress permissions and funding to achieve the re-ordering of the church and establishment of a digital history centre. In October 2025 we were delighted to be awarded a grant from the national lottery to enable us to go forward.
The interior work will involve creation of modern kitchen facilities, two WC’s (one accessible) , upgraded energy-efficient heating and lighting, storage space, renewed+updated electric wiring.
.We will remove ten pews and re-site the font, to create a larger, more flexible space at the rear of the nave .
We will deliver a 21 month programme of heritage activity ; research, design and provide multi-layered content for a new, permanent interpretation scheme. Our project’s legacy will be a brighter, warmer more comfortable, multi-purpose church building, where a wider range of people can learn about Dorstone’s history through the inclusive activity programme and engaging interpretation scheme
connecting new and existing audiences to 6000 years of local history – the ‘Dorstone
Settlement Timeline’: the archaeological, architectural, natural and social heritage of Dorstone during the Neolithic, Medieval and Modern eras.
1 Dorstone BC
2 The medieval period including our Norman castle
3 Research into all Dorstone Dwellings
Our church building and its artefacts will be safeguarded; the history of Dorstone as an ancient settlement identified and explained. The organ chamber, vestry and the chancel will remain largely unchanged. The vision for extending mission and worship will gain significant momentum once these facilities have been improved. The process of fund raising itself encourages more involvement from the community.