Tenterden receives John Betjeman Award.
The SPAB’s (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) 2020 John Betjeman Award for excellence in conservation at places of worship of all denominations and faiths drew a range of impressive entries in the England & Wales category.
This year’s winner is Tenterden Methodist Church, Kent for the exemplary repair of a war memorial pipe organ. The judges agreed that the project conserved a practical war memorial in a very touching and appropriate way. They were entirely persuaded that a conservative approach to fabric repair had delivered a wonderful result, with the instrument now playable again, and all periods of its repair history still legible.
Alistair Curtis, who repaired the organ, said “ I understand that organs are not the usual focus for this award so I’m delighted that my work on the WWI memorial pipe organ has been recognised by the John Betjeman Award. I particularly enjoyed playing the repaired organ for the judges, as this is what the instrument was intended for”
So, Congratulations to Tenterden! Ashford Borough Council now want to install a commemorative heritage plaque on the outside of the church.