Church Recorders promote recognition and preservation of the rich artistic heritage in places of worship by recording the contents of churches of all religions. Participating churches are presented with an illustrated book detailing each item and its history. Copies are also sent to national institutions.

Members of The Arts Society Chichester Lavant Valley have played an important role in the Chichester Combined Church Recorders Group which was formed in 2006.  It comprises volunteers drawn from three Chichester Societies – Chichester, City of Chichester and Chichester Lavant Valley.

Since its inception the Chichester Combined Church Recording Group has completed detailed records of the furnishings and the interior of the Church of St Peter, Westhampnett (completed in 2008), the Bishop’s Chapel at the Palace, Chichester (completed in 2011), St Mary the Virgin, Apuldram (completed 2014), St Mary Sennicotts, Funtington (completed 2016) and St Peter & St Mary Fishbourne.  The Group is now working on St George's Whyke in Chichester.  
Records are given to the West Sussex Record Office, Arts Society HQ, Historic England, the Church Care Library and the V&A Art Library.  

Though Arts Society support for Church Recording ends on 31st December 2020, a new national support group has been formed so that work can continue as before.

If you are interested in joining in, please use the email contact on our website to ask our Chairman for further details.