Broadcaster and historian Jonathan Foyle leads Heritage Open Day at St Nicolas, Pevensey
Dr Jonathan Foyle, renowned architectural historian and presenter of the award-winning BBC TV programme “Climbing Great Buildings”, will be a special guest at St Nicolas, Pevensey’s Heritage Open Day on Saturday 12 May. Jonathan will give a talk about the appeal of England’s parish churches and then lead an afternoon of painting, drawing and conversation in and around the 800 year old Grade 1 listed building.
The Open Day, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of the £250,000 St Nicolas Restoration Programme, will open at 11.30am with an organ recital of church music from different historical eras. This will be followed by a bell ringing demonstration, with an opportunity for novices to have a go – no experience needed! At 2pm, Peter Harrison, Curator of Pevensey’s Court House Museum, will explain the importance of Pevensey as a seaport when the church was built in the early 13th century. Jonathan Foyle will then describe the national context at that time, which saw the English Church struggling under the turbulent reign of King John.Jonathan Foyle commented “I often draw for TV programmes, and find it a great way of interpreting buildings visually. I look forward to members of the local community joining me to celebrate their cultural heritage and engage with the architecture of St Nicolas Church through their artistic endeavours, whether or not they are experienced in drawing and painting.”
Churchwarden Simon Sargent said “We are delighted that Dr Jonathan Foyle is able to join us for this special day to celebrate the 800 year history of our newly restored church. We are very grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for helping to make this happen, and for contributing to the cost of a number of attractive new displays about the history of St Nicolas and the village which it has served for so long. The Open Day is free of charge and we hope that the varied programme will appeal to people of all ages.”