In the second half of the twentieth century. with both rural populations and their support dwindling, much work was carried out - particularly to the roof and windows. Generous grants from organisations such as the Friends of Kent Churches and the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust have been made and at the time of writing, the future of the Cathedral of the Romney Marsh appears safer than it has been for many years. However; as Simon Jenkins has written of Ivychurch in his book. England’s Thousand Best Churches,’ “The interior is the only Marsh church that looks in urgent need of conservation.”
In 1963 the parish of Ivychurch became part of a team ministry with the Rector of all ten Romney Marsh churches living here in the village. Today the former Rectory is privately owned and lvychurch is one of five Romney Marsh parishes under the care of the Vicar of New Romney. Dwindling congregations have seen services reduced to just one each month. The many visitors to the Cathedral of the Romney Marsh never fail to notice its tremendous air of peace and tranquility. Maintaining England’s national treasure is a time-consuming and costly business and no doubt that St. George’s would not have survived had it not been for the generous grants and gifts of its many friends and benefactors.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thanks are due to the Rev’d John Green, the Rev’d John Coleman, Miles Cowsill, Ian Smith,
Simon Taylor, Margaret and John Waite and to my fellow members of St. George’s PCC.
John Hendy, Plovers, Ivychurch, Romney Marsh, Kent, TN29 OHJ. (01797) 344090.
