We support each of our three churches equally and when one of them needs maintenance or repair work, our particular attention is then turned to that building. Currently, Ripe church is in need of urgent repair which will cost up to £150,000. We need your help to raise the funds to prevent further damage to the roof. Inspections have revealed that the north side has lathes which are failing and beams which are worm-ridden. Repairs are likely to be performed externally, where lathes, beams and tiles will be replaced at the same time as adding insulating board. The estimate will go forward for approval from the Diocesan Advisory COmmittee and Historic England during the next few weeks or months. 

RIPE CHURCH ROOF APPEAL

​46% of our target raised so far...

We are delighted to announce that so far, we have raised £34,402 of our goal to raise £75,000 for essential repairs to Ripe church roof, with a further £75,000 which we hope to secure through grants. So, we still need your help...

These are the different ways you can donate:
  • come and have fun at one of our fundraising events
  • become a regular giver 
  • donate a one-off gift in support of our appeal
  • leave a legacy to your parish in your will

​For more information about how you can give a donation, please contact the Margaux Allfrey at [email protected]

coming up...

LAUGHTON WITH RIPE & CHALVINGTON - OUR PARISH

Set where the Weald meets the South Downs, you will find our beautiful, recently joined parish of All Saints' Laughton, St. John the Baptist, Ripe and St. Bartholomew, Chalvington.

Some people come to our churches to worship, some enjoy a secular but still spiritual connection with these ancient buildings, whilst others are fascinated by the beauty and rich history of the parish and its churches. 

We encourage anybody to join us who might want to explore the Christian faith or simply be looking to be part of our community. Everyone is welcome to the events which we organise and to join us in being the current custodians of these historic buildings.

We are currently without a permanent rector and in the process of advertising the position for a new incumbent, but are extremely pleased to welcome many different priests who have kindly volunteered to conduct services each week for us. The church buildings are open for a visit and contemplation every day. ​

useful links in our villages

the hayton-baker village hall, ripe

The village hall in Ripe is a one-minute walk from the church. 
It is predominantly used by Ripe Nursery School but at weekends and during school holidays, it can be hired for functions and serves the church perfectly as a location for receptions and wakes after services in the church. 
The hall can cater for up to 60 people, seated. 
The kitchen is well-equipped and there are plenty of tables and comfortable chairs. 

DEANLAND STORES 

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Deanland is a park home retirement estate near the village of Ripe. It has an a pub. The Inn on the Park; a convenience store and a community centre. 
The convenience store sells a wide range of useful products and is open from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am-2pm and then again between 5.30-7.30pm. It is open between 9am-2pm on Saturdays and Sundays. 

ripe village stores & post office

Ripe Village Stores is in the centre of the village and sells a wide range of everyday products as well as fabulous homemade fresh and freezer food; homemade cakes and tray bakes; fresh and local artisan bread; a range of good quality wines, local beers and has a fabulous deli department. 
​The shop is open from 9am-5pm Monday - Friday and 9am-1pm on Saturdays. 
On Thursday evenings the shop hosts a weekly pop-up drinks evening. 
​The post office is open six days per week from 9am-1pm.
The shop is closed on Sundays. 

RIPE & CHALVINGTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION (RACCA)

RACCA (Ripe and Chalvington Community Association) was formed in 2020 and now has over 250 members who are residents in the two villages.  With an elected management committee and a great active team of members at the core, RACCA get things done. Our meetings are social events and our focus is on promoting a strong community by working together. 
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laughton village shop & post office

Laughton Village Shop offers friendly service and sells a wide range of products for the home. It also has a small deli which offers local to Laughton produce, cheese, meats, alcohol, sweets, freshly baked goods and homemade sandwiches. 
There is a lovely little café area at the rear of the hops serving teas, coffees and homemade cakes. 
The shop and post office are open from 8am-5pm Monday to Friday and 8am-12.30pm on Saturdays. 
The shop is closed on Sundays
THE VILLAGES MUSIC FESTIVAL

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​The Villages Music Festival was set up with the aim of bringing together the communities of Ripe, Laughton and Chalvington in a celebration of live music, performed by professional musicians and local people of all ages. It welcomes visitors and friends from far and wide to enjoy the beauty of this small part of Sussex, nestling inland, close to the South Downs National Park and Glyndebourne.