St. Mary's Spire Appeal
Help us protect a piece of Billingshurst history
Rising above the village skyline, the spire of St Mary’s Church has watched over Billingshurst for centuries. Visible across fields, lanes and rooftops, it is more than an architectural feature — it is a symbol of continuity, faith and community life.
Steeplejack working on the spire of St Mary’s. Photo: Norman Dudman A church has stood on this site since at least the 12th century, and within the tower hangs a ring of eight bells, whose sound marks celebration and remembrance across the parish. St Mary’s is also a Grade I listed building, recognised nationally for its historic importance. Caring for it is a privilege — and a responsibility shared across generations.
The spire is clad in thousands of wooden shingles (timber tiles) that protect the structure from wind and weather. Over time, some shingles have failed through age and exposure, and they now need replacing. This appeal continues the centuries-old tradition of stewardship: ordinary people ensuring that this extraordinary landmark remains safe and weatherproof for the future.
Two ways to support the Spire Appeal
Whether you’d like to give in a personal, lasting way or sponsor a one-off fundraising challenge, there are two options below. Both contribute directly to the work of renewing the spire shingles.
Option 1: Sponsor a Shingle
A sponsored shingle dedication, created as part of the Spire Appeal.
A gift to remember
Sponsoring a shingle is a simple, meaningful way to support the appeal. It’s ideal as a Mothering Sunday gift, in thanksgiving, or in memory of someone special — and it helps protect the spire for generations to come.
Every sponsored shingle brings us one step closer to completing the work. Whether your donation is large or small, it will make a real difference to this historic landmark and to the church at the heart of village life.
Option 2: Stuart's Spire Climb
Stuart at the base of the spire; he’ll be climbing using the steeplejacks’ access ladder.
In the run-up to Easter, weather permitting, Stuart, one of St Mary’s Churchwardens, will quite literally be supporting the Spire Appeal from above by climbing the church spire using the ladder installed by the steeplejacks for their restoration work.
The climb highlights both the height of the spire and the scale of the work required to maintain this much-loved village landmark. It is Stuart’s way of drawing attention to the importance of replacing the ageing wooden shingles that protect the church from the elements.
If you would like to sponsor Stuart’s climb, you can do so via the JustGiving link below. Every donation, large or small, will help fund the renewal of the spire and ensure that St Mary’s continues to stand proudly over Billingshurst for generations to come.
Thank you.
However you choose to support the appeal — by sponsoring a shingle, sponsoring the spire climb, sharing the page, or simply spreading the word — thank you. Your kindness helps preserve a familiar landmark and a place where so many memories have been made: weddings, baptisms, funerals, festivals, music, prayer, and quiet moments of reflection.
If you’d like to follow progress, please check back — we’ll be sharing updates as the work and fundraising continue.