What a start to the year!
The Easter trail and service were wonderfully supported—thank you to everyone who came along or helped out. A special thanks to Sarah for organising tea and homemade cakes after the service—no small feat without running water or a flat surface!
Our Bank Holiday Coffee Morning at Late Haynes was equally well attended, once again fuelled by Sarah’s and the community’s baking skills and Doug’s latest eBay find—60 mugs (we’re fairly sure every single one was used on the day!). This event was a great opportunity to share an update on the trust’s activities. For those who couldn’t make it, we’ve included a summary below.
Our next event is an open garden at 1 Park Close on the 12th July.
As we’ve welcomed many new faces to the valley recently, we’re starting with a little background on the church and the trusts that act as guardians for future generations.
Doug Spooner. Chair DACT.
Dunkeswell Abbey Church Trust (DACT)
Holy Trinity Church is a 19th-century Grade II listed building located next to the ruins of Dunkeswell Abbey. Built in 1842, the significance of the site is inextricably bound up with its proximity to, and interrelation with, the abbey ruins. It is also one of the most important works by the English artist and diarist Dame Elizabeth Posthuma Simcoe and her daughters. The church is the most complete product of their workshop and the fullest expression of their worldview.
The interior of the church is remarkable for its stone and wood carvings, as well as the stained glass work carried out by the Simcoe women themselves. The altar, font, capitals, corbels, stained glass, pews, and pulpit are all believed to have been produced by the Simcoe women and remain unchanged since 1842.
The church is therefore unique. Its peaceful location and close ties to the old abbey reinforce its distinctiveness, and its connection to the Simcoe family is of great historical and cultural importance.
There are currently two trusts that work hand in hand to look after Dunkeswell Abbey Ruins and Holy Trinity Church that sits at its heart.
- Dunkeswell Abbey Church Trust
Formed in 2019 to protect Holy Trinity Church after a short period of closure, ownership of the church was passed to the Trust by the Bishop of Exeter in 2019. Although no longer an active Church, strong ties still remain with St Nicholas Church at Dunkeswell and the Church of England as it continues to manage the churchyard that remains open for burials.
Current Trustees – Chair – Doug Spooner, Richard & Alison Whiteside, Danny Pile, Matt & Hilary Clements, Tim Lowe - Dunkeswell Abbey Preservation Fund (DAPF)
This was formed in 1959, this is a charitable trust for tax purposes. Chaired by the Rector of Dunkeswell it is responsible for the Abbey Ruins only.
Objectives of Dunkeswell Abbey Church Trust
DACT was formed with three clear objectives laid down in the trust documentation of 2019, and while the first one is now complete the trust continues to act to deliver the remaining two.
- To acquire the whole of the site of Holy Trinity Church
- To preserve and repair the said church for the benefit of the public and to allow the public to have access to it when the trustees shall deem it appropriate.
- Any other purpose consistent with the charitable nature of the Trust which shall benefit and further the objectives of the Trust.
The trust today
Since taking ownership of the church in 2019, lack of funding has precluded all but the most basic of maintenance tasks and the Church fabric remains in a poor condition. A large list of items that require remedial action now exists that will now be progressed as funds and volunteers allow.
Funding is key, and the trustees are now working towards gaining Charity Status as this status could unlock grants and support from Historic England, National Lottery etc. to undertake the major works required such as the plasterwork and pointing.
Our Thanks
Over the past year, the trustees and the local community and wider supporters have enabled significant fund-raising efforts which means that there is a small amount of funds to take forward work.
What has been done …?
- Grounds Maintenance of the old churchyard, orchard and ruins now undertaken by local volunteers saving just under £1000 per year.
- Church electrics have been surveyed and made fit for purpose but needs constant oversight due to rodent damage.
- Timber for new Church gate and post purchased and new gate made and installed by Charlie and Chris Page.
- New fire extinguishers
Going Forward
There are a number of areas that the trustees have identified as priority.
- The plasterwork is a high priority and, subject to permission, it is hoped a team of volunteers can be found over the summer to strip the internal plaster on the North Wall allowing it to breath and enable a project to be developed to replace the lime plaster.
- Continue fund raising efforts which has provided a focus to bring the community together in a positive way.
- Make the church available to the community for use
- Determine long term future plans for the Church which should include occasional church services (Christmas, Easter and Harvest)
- Continue to work closely with Historic England, Blackdown Hills (AONB) Partnership, Heritage Arts People, Devon County Council’s historic environment service, University of Exeter, Dunkeswell and Hemyock Parish Councils , Dunkeswell PCC.etc.
- Increase communication – regularly update the facebook page (@Friendsofabbeychurch), website dunkeswellabbey.co.uk and create a mailing list for regular newsletters.
How you can help...
Volunteer to support maintenance tasks and fund-raising efforts, and let the Trustees know your thoughts and ideas for the use of the Church either via the website, in person or via the facebook page.
