ExeDFAS church recording is now well under way at the church of St Michael and All Angels, Sowton Village.

NADFAS Church recording began in 1971 at the request of the Victoria and Albert Museum when they became aware of how little was known about the contents of most churches and how vulnerable they were to damage and depletion. Our churches contain a vast wealth of wonderful memorials, metalwork, stonework, woodwork, textiles, paintings, books, windows, clocks, tiles, organs etc.

You do not need to have in-depth knowledge of any of these areas to take part as help will be given and you will be able to expand your knowledge and acquire new skills whilst making new friends. This is an exciting and important opportunity for some of our members to become involved in the work taking place nationally to preserve and enhance access to our heritage.

A copy of the final product in the form of a book, illustrated with photographs and drawings, is presented to the church congregation, to the diocesan or county record office, the V&A Museum and to the National Monuments Record. This collection of records is a truly important national resource that is greatly valued by art researchers and cultural curators and also by insurance companies and the police in the case of damage or theft.

At present over 1,500 church records have been completed and there are about 2,500 recorders in 210 groups beavering away all over the country with great enthusiasm and commitment. You too could be one of the people helping to build this fund of knowledge for future generations.
                                                                        Jackie Jennings

This activity is organised by Liz Neill

St Michael and All Angels, Sowton Village, near Exeter

Learn more