St Mary’s Long Crichel is our only Dorset church. Both peculiar and picturesque, Nikolaus Pevsner described St Mary’s as ‘… a Georgian space in Perpendicular form, long, uniform, well-lit – it might be a schoolroom.’ And the unusual collection of ceilings at St Mary’s are one of the clues – timber panels with reticulated tracery that appear straight out of a fashionable drawing room. Upon vesting we undertook emergency repairs to the 15th century tower, which was in parlous condition and the roofs. The building is now secure and water-tight. More repairs are needed, but we’re thrilled now to be able to share St Mary’s with our supporters. We look forward to working with local people to continue to care for this very special Dorset church.