CHURCH RECORDERS

Church Recorders are NADFAS volunteers who make records of the contents and internal fabric of our national churches. These records help to preserve the rich artistic heritage to be found in places of worship of all religions. Items are described in detail and their history researched. All the material is then compiled into a book, illustrated with photographs and drawings. The records are given to the church and copies are sent to national institutions such as the National Monuments Record at English Heritage, The Council for the Care of Churches, the Victoria and Albert Museum and the relevant county record office.

ST. CHRISTOPHER'S CHURCH, HASLEMERE

In January 2009, at an inaugural meeting attended by the Reverend Norman Jones,  Haslemere DFAS formed a group to record St. Christopher's Church, Haslemere.  This is a listed  Arts and Crafts building with many interesting features and the project will take about two years to complete. The contents of the church are being categorised (memorials, silver, woodwork etc.), measured, described and photographed. The group of 14 regular members includes an artist who provides drawings where appropriate.  All details are compiled according to a standard NADFAS format.  Colin Dodge has very kindly supplied a professional plan of the church to be inserted into various sections of the record. 

Roger Allen, NADFAS Area adviser for Church Recording groups, is a helpful source of knowledge and experience and was responsible for organising study days at the Holy Trinity Church in Guildford.  Some members of the group attended and not only learned about the recording process but also recruited a new member from Elstead DFAS.
Further sources of information are the museum, Service records, the internet and faculties held in London and Woking. Good progress was made and at the end of 2009 the recorders celebrated almost a year of activity with a very convivial Christmas lunch.

After a slow start due to weather conditions, work has resumed in 2010 and the Library, Textiles, Windows, Paintings, Metalwork and Woodwork sections are all being tackled by different members in the group. Below discussions take place over a large bible (left) and about the best way to describe the organ (centre).

Measurements are taken at the altar (right).

Other members of the group are scattered around the church and include the photographer who is on her knees taking a picture of a radiator.

Meetings take place at the church on the first and second Wednesday of the month (except August).

Anyone interested in joining the group or wanting more information, please email us:
enquiries@haslemeredfas.org.uk